In a concerning development, Reverend Father Christian Ike, a Catholic priest based in Anambra State, was kidnapped on Sunday alongside another individual at Amagu Junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community, Orumba North Local Government Area.
The incident occurred as Father Ike was returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle he was traveling in was ambushed by gunmen operating in three vehicles. While two other occupants managed to escape, the assailants abducted Father Ike and another person, seizing personal belongings from the vehicle.
The motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear. The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the abduction and announced that a search operation had been launched, deploying intelligence and operational resources to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene: “The priest and some others were returning from St. Michael Catholic Church after a morning service. At Amagu Junction, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men. While two persons escaped, the gunmen took the priest and another individual.”
The Diocese of Ekwulobia has acknowledged the abduction in a letter from the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, urging the community to pray for the safe release of Father Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Anike, who were taken around 9:45 a.m. as they returned from Mass.
This incident follows a similar occurrence two months ago when Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo was kidnapped near Onitsha on May 15. Father Gbuzuo was eventually released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to rescuing the abducted individuals. Spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga stated, “We have deployed our intelligence and operational assets for the possible rescue of Rev. Father Christian Ike and to apprehend the assailants. Further updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds.”
