The Anambra police command has launched a manhunt for the kidnappers of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, in the State.
The incident happened on Wednesday around 8 am along the Eke Nkpor-Obosi Bypass while he was traveling.
The news of the abduction comes just a month after Rev. Fr. Gbuzuo was named one of the top 10 richest Catholic priests in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, said that the kidnappers have not yet made contact with anyone about the priest.
“His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, invites all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest as we intensify our efforts to ensure his freedom,” the statement read. “We commit our brother, Fr. Basil, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his kidnappers.”
The Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the kidnapping. He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has launched a manhunt for the abductors and is working with eyewitnesses.
“The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the abductors and possible rescue of Reverend Fr. Basil Chukwuemeka, which sad incident occurred at Nkpor Junction, Onitsha,” Ikenga stated.
“The command is already working with some eyewitnesses of the incident in the ongoing operation.”
Ikenga also mentioned that CP Nnaghe Obono Itam addressed the Catholic priests during a Bishop Conference in Onitsha, reassuring them that the police are doing everything possible to rescue Rev. Fr. Gbuzuo unharmed and to arrest the kidnappers.
“Further development shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga added.
