Rev. Fr. Gbuzuo kidnap in Anambra
By Emma Okeke, Onitsha
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke has announced the kidnapped of one of his priests, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo.
Okeke announced the unfortunate incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday.
He said that the incident happened on Wednesday morning, along Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass, at about 8:00 a. m.
According to him, with sadness, "we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo. The sad incident occurred yesterday morming, Wednesday, 15th May, 2024."
"He is a Priest in residence at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Ogidi until now, the abductor have not established any contact with anybody.
"We are inviting all Christ's faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest as we intensify our efforts to ensure his freedom"
"He said they commend our brother, Fr. Basil, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his kidnappers", he stated
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra Command, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, said that the Command has launched a manhunt for the abductors and possible rescue of Fr. Basil.
Ikenga said that the command was already working with some eyewitnesses to the incident in the ongoing operation.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, while addressing the Catholic priests allayed their fears and assured them that the command would do everything to rescue and unhurt the priest, and arrest the abductors.