JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest, Two Others in Rivers

A Catholic priest of the Port Harcourt Diocese, Reverend Father Livinus Maurice, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen along with two others in Rivers State.

The abduction occurred on Wednesday, February 12, along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Fr. Maurice, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, was taken while returning from a hospital visitation. The identities of the two other abducted individuals have not yet been disclosed.

In a statement issued on behalf of the bishop, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, confirmed the incident and called for prayers for the safe return of the abducted priest and his companions.

Security agencies have yet to release any details regarding efforts to rescue the victims or identify the perpetrators. The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in the region, with calls for urgent government intervention to curb the rising cases of abduction and violence.

Residents and church members have expressed shock and concern over the incident, urging authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the victims. The Catholic Church in Port Harcourt has also appealed to the kidnappers to release the priest and his companions unharmed.