Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, who serves at St. Charles Parish of the Catholic Church in Mgbaleze Isu, Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State, and three individuals taken captive with him, have been released.
TRACKNEWS reports that the abduction occurred in Isu, located in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Both the Ebonyi State Police Command and the Abakaliki Diocese of the Catholic Church confirmed the release of the priest and the three kidnapped individuals late on Tuesday.
According to a statement by SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the Command’s spokesperson, Azubuike was freed unharmed at approximately 1800hrs.
“Rev. Father Joseph Azubuike has been rescued unharmed and in good health due to the collective efforts of the Command’s operatives,” stated the police spokesperson.
“Intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits, who managed to escape during the rescue operation. The reverend father is presently undergoing medical evaluations at the hospital,” added the police spokesperson.
Rev. Father Mathew Opoke, the Chancellor of the Abakaliki Diocese, also confirmed Azubuike’s rescue in a separate statement on Tuesday.
He further mentioned that the kidnappers released the three other victims unconditionally.
