Jane Akuba
Delta State Police Command, yesterday, said they were on the trail of the suspected kidnappers of two Catholic priests around the Agbaro-Otor area of the state.
Tension has gripped the Catholic community in Delta State as two priests, Reverend Father Chochos Kunav and Rev Father Raphael Ogigba, have been abducted at the front of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday night.
The two clerics were forcefully taken away by yet-to-be-identified gunmen along the Agbaro Otor Road on Saturday night, while on their way to Ughelli.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Delegate Superior of the Schoenstartt Fathers, Very Rev. Fr. Okereke Kingsley Kizito, issued on Sunday, and made avaliable to journalist in Warri, confirmed the kidnapping of the two priests.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is with great pain and concern that we come to you with this sad notice. Our brother, Fr. Chochos Kunav, Schoenstartt Fathers, lives and works in Ibadan. However, he traveled to Warri yesterday to visit his friend, Fr. Raphael Ogigbah of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Parish priest of St. Francis Catholic Church Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North, Delta State.
”Unfortunately, after a short visit to the priest in a nearby parish, both Fr. Chochos Kunav and Fr. Raphael Ogigbah were kidnapped last night on their way back to the parish of Fr. Raphael Ogigbah. The incidents occurred on the road, in front of the Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor.
“We ask for intense prayers for quick and safe release. May Jesus, the high priest and the good Shepherd take care of his priests, and may our mother thrice admirable Queen and victress of schoenstatt intercede for them,” it added.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the kidnap in Asaba, said efforts were in top gear to free the hostages.
“We are still on their trail to rescue the priests unhurt and arrest the hoodlums,” he said.
As at the time of filing this report, it wasn’t certain if the kidnappers have established contact with the families of the victims yet or demanded for any ransom.
