Rev. Father Maurice Freed After Four Days in Captivity

Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, Rivers State, and two others have been freed four days after being abducted along the Elele-Isiokpo Road. The priest, who was kidnapped while returning from a hospital visit, regained his freedom early Sunday morning, thanks to the combined efforts of the police, Joint Task Force soldiers, and local vigilantes.

According to Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, the group was released around 6:30 am after security personnel mounted significant pressure on the kidnappers. The victims have been reunited with their families for medical attention, and authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in Anambra State, Rev. Father Jude Onyeka has been abducted. Onyeka, recently transferred to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Abatete, was kidnapped on Thursday along the Ugwunwasike Bypass in Ogidi. The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha has confirmed the incident and is urging the faithful to pray for the priest’s safe return.