Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Anambra State Police command, said it has launched a manhunt, using its intelligence and operational assets on the Kidnappers of Reverend Father Christian Ike with the aim of rescuing him unhurt and bringing the perpetrators to book.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in the state.
He said with the eyewitness account, it was revealed that by 10:30 am on 16/6/2024, the priest and two others were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church Ndiokpaleke where they attended morning service, along Amagu Junction.
He said they were double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle.
“To this end, the Command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for possible arrest of the assailants and rescue unhurt of the priest.”
He added that further development shall be communicated as it unfolds.
According to a source who preferred anonymity, he said Rev. Ike was said to have been taken away by the assailants on Sunday, along Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The reason for the incident was yet to be known, but eyewitnesses in the area said the priest was returning alongside two other persons from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, when the vehicle he was moving in, was double-crossed by the assailants.
“The priest and two other persons were returning from St. Micheal Catholic Church, where they attended morning service.
“On getting to Amagu Junction, their vehicle was double-crossed by armed men operating in three vehicles, while the other two other persons escaped the scene, the criminals took away the priest and some personal belongings of the occupants in the vehicle”, the source said.