Insecurity: Kidnapped Catholic Priests Regain Freedom in Edo

The two Catholic priests, Rev Fr Udo Peter of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Uromi and Rev Fr Philemon Oboh of St Joseph Retreat Centre Ugboha, who were kidnapped on Saturday night in Edo, have been rescued.

Their release was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, Musa Ebomhiana, on Wednesday.

He said the clerics were rescued in the early hours of Wednesday and were brought to the Edo State Government House, where they were received by the Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu.

According to Ebomhiana, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security force, noting that the Governor was glad to receive the rescued clerics.

He noted that no ransom was paid and said Shaibu commended the security operatives for the swift response.

Ebomhiana said, “I can confirm that the clerics have been released and they were brought to the Government House where they were received by the Acting Governor who was elated to see them.

“He commended the security operatives for the rescue operation and urged them to keep up the good job and rid the state of criminals.”