By: Godwin Utuedoye,
ISSELE-UKU, DELTA STATE, Missionary Newspaper- Rev. Fr. Andrew Anah, the abducted Catholic Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Obomkpa in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, who was kidnapped yesterday, June 5, 2018 has been released from the kidnappers’ den.
His release was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka.
The PPRO however, could not establish if ransom was paid to secure his release, but assured the priest was in good health condition at the parish. The police spokesman however assured, that the hoodlums would not go scot free, stating that the Command has taken this particular case as a serious concern.
Meanwhile, some parishioners of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Obomkpa who pleaded for anonymity, have called on the Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Micheal Odogwu Elue to immediately transfer the released priest to another Parish or the Pastoral Centre, at least to enable him recover from the trauma. They averred that it was seriously traumatizing for Rev. Fr. Anah who had just been kidnapped twice from the Parish, adding that they would miss his presence at Obomkpa but it was better to transfer him now.
Until his release yesterday, priests and religious serving in Issele-Uku Diocese had gathered at the Obomkpa Parish to pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Andrew Anah. And truly, God intervened and the victim was miraculously released same yesterday.
The chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon. Chuks Oseme confirmed the release of the priest.
The elated Chairman commended the Nigerian Police for their efforts and urged them to step up preventive mechanisms against such occurrences.