Catholic Priest Regains Freedom Ten Days After Kidnap

The kidnapped parish priest of St. Theresa Catholic Church, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Rev. father Mark Chimezie Godffrey has regained his freedom.

Rev. Fr. Godffrey regained freedom from the captivity of his captors 10 days after he was whisked away a few kilometers to his parish by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on his way from another parish in Afaraukwu Ibeku where he had gone to conduct morning mass.

Information has it that Rev. Fr Godffrey who was kidnapped on October 13, was among those ordained priests in Umuahia, the state capital by the Umuahia Catholic Diocese in March this year.

Information about his release was still sketchy at the time of filing the report, unconfirmed reports have it that the priest regained his freedom after an undisclosed amount of cash was paid as ransom.

The Umuahia Catholic Diocese who were silent over the said ransom paid for the release of the priest in a statement personally signed by His Lordship, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, on October 23 reads,”I am pleased to announce that one of my priests, Rev. Fr. Mark Chimezie Godffrey, who was kidnapped on October 13 2021, has regained his freedom today (October 23), after ten days in captivity.

“We thank God immensely for answering our prayers and facilitating his return to us unhurt.

“I take advantage of this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all Bishops, priests, Consecrated men and women and all Christ’s faithful who assisted us with prayers during the difficult and trying period of his captivity.

“May God bless and reward you abundantly for your solidarity…”