By Emeka Okafor
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdoicese of Owerri in Imo State, Bishop Moses Chikwe and his driver, Ndubuisi Robert, who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen last week Sunday, have regained freedom five days after their abduction.
It was gathered that the Catholic cleric and his driver were rescued by operatives of the tactical squad of the Imo State Police Command on Thursday evening.
The rescue of the victims, who are now receiving treatment at undisclosed hospital in the state capital, was confirmed by thy the Imo State Police Command.
Bishop Chikwe and Robert were abducted by the gunmen on Sunday December 27, 2020.
The cleric was rumoured to have been killed by his kidnappers which the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri dismissed as false.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday.
The statement said the hoodlums also kidnapped another victim identified as Chioma Stephanie Ekwedike at Imo Housing Estate Umuguma, Owerri West LGA in front of her residence.
ALSO READ: Read Full Text Of President Buhari’s New Year Broadcast (Here)
Ikeokwu disclosed that some of the suspects involved in the abduction have been arrested by the command during the raid on the kidnappers’ hideout at Awara, Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Omuku creeks.
The hoodlums were said to have abandoned the Bishop and his driver at their hideout.
“We however wish to assure everyone that the Command remains capable of protecting all law-abiding citizens of the state”, the statement said.
Also, Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Anthony Obinna, confirmed the release of the Bishop.
In a statement Archbishop Obinna expressed gratitude to God for the release of the bishop and thanked Nigerians for their prayers.
The cleric disclosed that the Bishop is weak as a result of the ordeal he suffered in the hands of his kidnappers.
He, however, added that Bishop Chikwe was in stable health while the driver had also been rushed to the hospital following injuries he sustained in the hands of the hoodlums.
Archbishop Obinna also thanked Pope Francis for mentioning the incident in his new year message and the prayer supports of cardinals and bishops including the Christian communities and all Nigerians during the period of the captivity.
