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JUST IN: Gunmen Kidnap Imo Catholic Priest

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Gunmen kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in the Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, on Tuesday night.

The Catholic priest was abducted in the Ayayi community within Obollo as he was returning to his parish from an assignment.

The PUNCH reports that the cleric was ordained on 27 September 2014 by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State.

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The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, requested prayers from both the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s safe return.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Abduct Rector Of Catholic Seminary In Edo 

The statement, issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, urged fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.

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The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” reads: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at about 6 pm.

“Rev. Fr. Azubuike, who was ordained on 27 September 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State.

“He was kidnapped along the Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while returning from an assignment.

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“We request your fervent prayers that he may return to us safe and sound, trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”

READ ALSO: Edo Catholic Priest Abductors Demand N200 Million Ransom

The elected councillor of Obollo Ward, David Ajaero, confirmed the priest’s kidnapping to PUNCH Metro, disclosing that the community was praying for his unconditional release.

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Describing the priest as a good man, Ajaero urged the public to pray for his safety.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.

Okoye said, “The CP has set up a high-powered investigation team to look into this matter for the possible rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects.”

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Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

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The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

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Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.

The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.

‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama

‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.

He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

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“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”

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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

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Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

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Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

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Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

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Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

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A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

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READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

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The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

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The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.” 

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

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