Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A combined security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala, in Anambra State, have secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, from his abductors.
Recall that the Catholic priest was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Following his abduction, the hoodlums who operated in a white Lexus SUV were engaged in a gun duel by the joint security force.
Due to the superior fire power of the joint security team, the assailants abandoned their operational vehicle and fled the scene with their victim.
A statement by the State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the operatives gave the criminals a coordinated hot chase to Ihiala, where priest was returned unharmed.
The operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle of the suspected kidnappers.
“The different security checkpoints and security operatives in the State were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the Priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.
The joint security team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father,” the statement said.