- Police activates onslaught against abductors
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
A Catholic Priest of Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzue has regained freedom after spending nine days in captivity.
The Priest was kidnapped on Wednesday 15th May 20254 along Nkpor – Obosi /Umuoji Road, Anambra State.
Confirming his release in a statement signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Soludo said the cleric regained freedom through the onerous efforts of the joint security task team of Anambra State Government and well meaning citizens.
Though Aburime was silent on whether ransom was paid or whether the abductors were also arrested, he said the State Government will not rest on its oars in working to ensure that any person held in captivity is released unconditionally and unhurt.
“We also seize this opportunity to send a strong warning to all criminals, their collaborators and sponsors. The full weight of the law will be brought on all such persons who engage directly or indirectly in orchestrating criminal activities”
” However, note that the olive branch offer extended to criminal elements who operate in the mould of agitators is still open. They should avail themselves of avenues provided by the State for them to be trained, rehabilitated and integrated back into the society”
He said Governor Soludo appreciates the contributions of all well meaning people in the onerous effort to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable homeland.
The police on its part said it has activated onslaught operations on the abductors of the Catholic priest and Prof. Sydney Onyeagu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka who was also kidnapped but has been released unhurt by the kidnappers.
The Command Spokesman , DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police , Nnaghe Obono Itam has given the assurance that the Command is in high spirits and already leveraging on information in this regard especially to frustrate criminal intentions of nonstate actors and reduce crime to the barest minimum in the State.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Onitsha Archdiocese has reacted to the news of the release of the abducted Priest,Fr. Gbuzue.
In a statement titled ” Safe return of abducted Priest Rev. Fr Basil Gbuzue” signed by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, the Church expressed
gratitude to God and cheers to all men of goodwill over the positive development.
“We confirm the release of our dear brother Priest, Very Rev. Fr Basil Gbuzue. The events of the past 9 days since his abduction has been quite traumatic but we trusted in the never failing faith in God and His abiding grace too.We glorify God that it has ended in testimony .
“We thank the Anambra State government led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies who worked assiduously to ensure the release and safe return of our Priest.
The statement said the people of God across board who bombarded heaven with prayers for the good news and all who provided support in one way or the other are deeply appreciated too.
” We continue to pray for our dear State and for a change of heart for those who have chosen the path of criminality to turn a new leaf and embrace decent living ” The Chancellor stated.
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