In a shocking incident that unfolded along the Eke-Affa-Egede Road in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday evening, a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father M. Okide of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, along with six other travelers, were abducted by unidentified gunmen between 4.30pm and 5pm.
Sources indicate that the kidnappers have already established contact with the families of the victims, demanding a hefty N100 million ransom for their safe release. Disturbingly, the captors left the children of the victims stranded inside their vehicle, crying for help, before law enforcement arrived at the scene.
As of now, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, local authorities have deployed officers from the Udi Police Division to comb the area and work towards securing the release of the Catholic Priest and the other hostages.
However, SK Blog had earlier reported how Enugu State Police detectives took decisive action against suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) who were allegedly attempting to enforce an illegal “Sit at Home” order in the state. According to Daniel Ndukwe, the command spokesman, three suspects were “neutralized” during a gun battle in Ezioha Mgbowo community in Awgu Local Government Area earlier today.
The situation surrounding the abducted Catholic Priest and other travelers remains tense, with concerned citizens awaiting updates from the authorities on their rescue efforts.