Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Delta for the second time

A Catholic priest has been abducted for the second time in four years by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in Delta state.

WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyebadi, the Parish Priest of Saint’s Peters & Paul, Issele Asagba was reportedly monitored and kidnapped in his farm, at the weekend, where he went to inspect his farm, workers and pay them for the work done.

Recall that the Catholic priest was kidnapped on his farm in December 2016 and later released a few days after.

Reports disclosed that Fr. Onyebadi was taken into the bush alongside three workers in his farm. While the priest is being held incommunicado, the three workers who were abducted alongside with him were later set free.

It was also learnt that the search party organised by the family members of the priest in conjunction with locals in the area, including members of the local vigilance group have not yielded the desired results.

Speaking on the incident, Rev. Fr. Charles Uganwan, the communication director, Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku confirmed the development.

Uganwan said that the matter had been reported to the security agencies and that members of the church had embarked on prayers for his release unhurt.

He said the kidnappers have not made any contact or demanded ransom.

He, therefore, pleaded with the kidnappers who may not know that he is a priest to release him unconditionally.

When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident, saying: “The police have been dispatched to the bush to rescue the Catholic Priest.”