Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Two Others Freed After Four Days in Captivity

• Rev. Father Livinus Maurice and two others were freed after four days of captivity, following a coordinated security operation in Rivers State

• The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt had called for Father Maurice’s unconditional release, which was achieved through combined efforts of police and local vigilantes

Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, Rivers State, has regained his freedom along with two others after being held captive by gunmen for four days.

The victims were abducted last Wednesday along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwerre Local Government Area while returning from a hospital visit.

The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt had earlier called for Father Maurice’s unconditional release on behalf of Bishop Bernadine Anaele. Their plea was answered on Sunday following a coordinated security operation.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the victims were freed around 6:30 a.m. after sustained pressure from a combined security team.

“Please be informed that today, February 16, 2025, at about 06:30 hrs, information was received that the kidnapped victims, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice and others, have been released by their captors.

Their release followed pressure from a combined security team comprising police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force in Isiokpo, and local vigilantes,” the statement read.

She further stated that the victims have been reunited with their families and are receiving medical care.

The release of Father Maurice and the other victims has brought relief to the Isiokpo community and the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt. The abduction had sparked widespread concern, prompting calls for swift intervention.

The operation highlights the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local vigilantes in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

While the victims are now safe, the police have vowed to intensify efforts to apprehend the kidnappers. “Efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits,” Iringe-Koko reiterated, emphasizing the authorities’ commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of Rivers State and the need for continuous efforts to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.