By Godwin Utuedoye,
WARRI- Unknown gunmen have abducted the Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Aghalokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State and principal of St. Peter Claver College, Aghalokpe on Saturday, September 1.
The Priest, Reverened Father Christopher Ogaga, was kidnapped around Aragba-Oviri-Orerokpe Okpe Road while he was on his way to Warri.
Confirming the incident, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegbe, director of communications in the diocese, disclosed that Rev. Father Christopher Ogaga was on his way from Aghalopke on Saturday to Warri to assist the Parish Priest of Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport Junction, Effurun for the celebration of Sunday Mass when he was abducted.
He added that the matter has been duly reported to the Delta State Government who also, has swung into action in an attempt to rescue the priest.
Asked if the kidnappers have established contact or demanded for a ransom, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegbe revealed that as a matter of policy , the Catholic Diocese of Warri does not negotiate or offer ransom to kidnappers, but called on the general public to intensify prayers for the unconditional release of the priest.
In another development, the Communication boss for the diocese also revealed that the Bishop of Warri diocese, Most Rev. John Oke’Oghene Afareha has directed that Holy Masses be celebrated and Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Rosary and Benediction be organized in all parishes in the diocese with the intention of seeking God’s intervention for the speedy and unconditional release of Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogaga.
Reverened Father Ogaga is the Principal of St. Peter Clavers College, Aghalokpe. He is also the Parish Priest in charge of St Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri Okpe and St Jude’s Catholic Church Aghalokpe.
Meanwhile, the matter has been reported by the Church to the Delta State Police Command. “The matter has been reported to the police and serious efforts is been made to ensure the safe release of the priest”, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegbe reveals. This was also confirmed by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Mustapha on Monday September 3, when contacted.