Gunmen Rampage in Imo State: Catholic Priest, Driver Kidnapped, Businessman Murdered

In a disturbing turn of events on Thursday night, gunmen continued their siege on Imo State, targeting St Michael’s Catholic Church parish in Umuekebi community. The victims of this heinous act include the parish priest, Rev Father Kingsley Eze, affectionately known as Father Ichie, and his driver, Uchenna Newman.

The abduction occurred at Orie ama junction around 8 pm when the priest and his driver alighted from a Volvo jeep to make a purchase. Alongside the kidnapping, the criminals didn’t spare shop owners, robbing them before fleeing the scene.

A terrified parishioner shared, “Our parish priest, Rev’d Fr Kingsley Eze, popularly known as Father Ichie, has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped alongside Mr Uchenna Newman at Orie ama junction on Thursday around 8 pm.” The attackers, arriving on two motorbikes, seized the priest’s vehicle and shot an unfortunate bystander, who was later rushed to the hospital.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, has yet to respond to the incident. This incident adds to a series of attacks in Imo State, as reported by SK Blog, including the murder of businessman Linus Nmuo and the assassination of the traditional ruler of Otulu Autonomous Community, Eze Joe Achulor, and the PDP ward chairman, Chiedoziem Anyanwu.

Imo State remains in the grip of insecurity, with residents living in fear as gunmen continue their violent spree. The community fervently prays for the safe return of Father Ichie, Mr Uchenna, and an end to this wave of criminal activities plaguing the state.