The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, who was kidnapped by gunmen at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.
According to the police, the assailants, who were operating in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number, abducted the priest in his own vehicle after abandoning theirs. However, a swift response from security operatives led to a gun battle, forcing the kidnappers to flee.
In a statement on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the priest was rescued in the early hours of March 23, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala.
“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, where a joint security force engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel,” Ikenga stated.
He added that security forces immediately launched a coordinated chase, alerting different security checkpoints across the state. This pressure forced the criminals to abandon the priest in Ihiala and flee into a nearby bush.
Following the rescue, security operatives have taken control of the scene in Ihiala to track down the fleeing kidnappers and recover the Toyota Highlander belonging to Fr. Echezona.
“The joint security team has taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father,” Ikenga said.
He assured that further updates on the investigation would be provided as the authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the suspects.
