Unreserved jubilation, joy and thanksgiving to God on the evening of Friday, November 9, trailed the news of the release of the four kidnapped Catholic priests by gunmen on Tuesday, November 6, at about 3:30pm at Urhonigbe near Abraka on their way to the All Saints Major Seminary Uhiele by Catholic faithful, friends, colleagues and well wishers of the victims.
The four priests Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Obadjere of Warri Diocese, Victor Adigboluja of Ijebu Ode Diocese; Anthony Otegbola, Abeokuta Diocese; and Joseph Ediae, Benin Archdiocese were all abducted on their way to their Alma Mater for an alumni meeting when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked their convoy and forcefully took them away .
Rev. Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh , Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin confirmed the release on Friday evening. He said the priests had been taken to a hospital in Benin-City, the Edo State capital for thorough treatment.
Meanwhile, bishops, priests, religious and all the faithful of the four dioceses concerned have expressed theor gratitude to God for His timely intervention and the safe release of the four priests.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mustafa Muhammad, who confirmed the news also, said the abducted priests were rescued by police operatives late Friday evening. Mustafa also confirmed the arrest of some suspects .