Abductors free Methodist Prelate, Bishop, Chaplain

The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu Uche, and two other priests abducted on Sunday have been freed.

It was not clear if ransom was paid to secure the freedom of the clerics on Monday.

The clergymen were heading to Owerri Airport en route Lagos after a Sunday service, when they were attacked and taken away.

The assailants had contacted relations of the victims, demanding a N100 million ransom.

The Abia State Police Command through its spokesman, SP Godfrey Ogbonna, confirmed the release of the clergymen.

SP Ogbonna declined further comments on the development, but said: “All I can confirm to you now is that they have all been released.’’

Also, the Presbyter of Wesley Cathedral, Umuahia, Very Rev. Aaron Akabuokwu, confirmed the cheering news to newsmen.

“It is true that the evil men that laid their hands on the men of God have set them free to the glory of God.

“Information reaching us is that the Prelate and other victims have been released.

“I don’t have details for now on where and how they were released by the kidnappers,” he said.

The Methodist Church had earlier on Monday solicited for N100 million contribution from its members to secure the clerics from their abductors who have demanded N100 million as ransom.

The Prelate, the Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark and the Prelate’s Chaplain, were kidnapped on Sunday in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia.

They were abducted while they were on their way from a programme in the council area.

The Secretary of the Conference, the Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Michael Akinwale confirmed the ransom demand in a statement issued on Monday.

He appealed to all parishioners to rise up and help in raising the N100 million ransom.

The secretary released the account particulars as follows: “Name: Methodist Church Nigeria. Account Number: 2000041229. Bank: First Bank.”

The statement read in part: “The devastating news of the abduction of our Prelate, the Bishop of Owerri, and the Prelate’s Chaplain has left everybody in shock.

“This is a period of trial in which the Church must cry out that ‘The Lord that answereth by Fire’ must be our God to destroy all the manipulations of the adversary.

“Let us all arise and cry out to the Lord!

CAN to Buhari: Ensure rescue of Methodist Church Prelate

“As we engage in Prayer Warfare, this serves to notify you that the abductors have demanded a ransom of N100 million.

“In view of the urgency and the dire need to arrest the situation for the safety of our Prelate and other abductees, it has become imperative to seek your URGENT RESPONSE to raise the N100 million ransom

“The safety of the Prelate and other abductees must be of paramount concern to all, and your contributions spiritually and monetarily shall not go unrewarded.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in Abia, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna had confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday.

“It’s quite unfortunate. Efforts are on top gear toward his rescue as well as other priests with him.

“We solicit credible information from the public toward their rescue, please,” Ogbonna had said.

The Star