Gunmen Kidnap Two Catholic Priests in Delta, Nigeria

Two Catholic priests were reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Aniocha area of Delta State. The victims, identified as Reverend Father Franklyn Odiaka, and Rev Father Moses Nwaonwochei were kidnapped at Obior in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on their way from a special prayer service.


THISDAY learnt that Odiaka, who is the Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Assumption (Zappa Parish), Asaba, was said to have been waylaid and whisked away on gun point .They were said to be returning from a ceremony in honor of the Bishop Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Michael Elue.

Details of the incident were, however, unavailable as at the time of filing this report on Friday afternoon.
The incident has created anxiety especially among parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church in Asaba with members circulating text messages for prayer to be said for kidnapped priests.

Parishioners, who described Rev Fr Odiaka as a "prayer warrior were seen gathered in groups at the church premises discussing the unfortunate incident.

Odiaka was said to have been preparing for a special marathon spiritual exercise of prayers aimed against ransom kidnappers and other criminals in Asaba and Delta State in general.
The kidnap is coming barely two weeks after hoodlums allegedly broke into the church and removed undisclosed  amount of money from the parish treasury.

Delta State Police Command spokeswoman, Mrs. Celestina Kalu (a DSP) who confirmed the kidnap story on Friday afternoon, however said that information available to the police about the abduction was still sketchy. 

Source: ThisDay Newspaper