2 Reverend Fathers attached to St. Theresa’s Parish, Umueze Anam in
Anambra West local government area of Anambra State, who were kidnapped
on the Christmas Eve on their way to an official function in Onitsha,
regained their freedom yesterday after four days in the kidnappers’ den.
The victims, Rev Fr Peter Nwachukwu, the parish priest of St
Theresa’s Parish, Umueze-Anam and Rev Fr Cajetan Apeh, the assistant
parish priest, had since reunited with their families, according to a
statement by the Anambra State police command. Police Police patrol team
attached to Otuocha Division had earlier recovered a light grey Toyota
Corolla Car with registration number FST 689 FL belonging to one of the
Reverend Fathers, which was abandoned by the kidnappers at Nneyi-
Umueri road. For four days the whereabouts of the clergy men were
unknown, resulting in an anxiety in many parts of the state, especially
as the incidence of kidnapping had reduced in the state for some years.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mohammed Haruna said
yesterday that Police special teams comprising the Federal Special Anti
Robbery Squad, FSARS, Police Mobile Force, PMF, and Counter Terrorism
Special Anti Cult unit, in conjunction with other security agencies and
the Anambra State Vigilante group, had mounted an intensive search,
which led to their rescue. He said that following the joint operations
since the incident took place and with the aid of a modern technology
and aerial surveillance due to difficult terrain in the area, the
abductors were forced to abandon their victims at about 6:45pm on
27/12/2018 Although he did not state where the victims were rescued, the
PPRO said that efforts were being intensified to apprehend perpetrators
of the heinous crime in order to bring them to justice. He said the
state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar had used the opportunity of
the rescue of the Reverend Fathers to reassure Anambra people of their
safety during the yuletide period and beyond. “The CP further warned all
criminal elements that Anambra is not a place to operate as they will
surely meet their waterloo and be dealt with decisively in accordance
with the law,” the PPRO said.
Source:- Vanguardngr
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