Abducted Imo Catholic priest regains freedom

The abducted Catholic priest of the Owerri archdiocese, Rev. Prof. Izu Marcell Onyeocha, has regained freedom.

It was gathered that Onyeocha, who is a Prof of Philosophy at Imo State University, Owerri, was freed by his abductors in the early hours of Monday.

The Catholic priest was reportedly dropped off at Ihube axis on Enugu-Okigwe Expressway by his abductors, the same axis he was kidnapped on Saturday evening.

The provincial secretary of Claratian missionaries, Rev Fr Matthew Iwuagwu, who confirmed the release of the priest, said that the kidnapped victim was dropped off by his captors in Ihube community in the early hours of Monday.

Ozisa FM, Owerri, a radio station owned by the Owerri Catholic archdiocese, repeatedly announced the release of the priest.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, who also confirmed the release of the priest on Monday disclosed that a manhunt for the kidnappers had been launched by the command.