Catholic priest kidnapped, abductors demand N4m ransom

oge okonkwo

May 6, 2015 2:49 PM

The suspected kidnappers, numbering about five, stormed the parish at about 2.10am, on Monday with guns and took the priest to an unknown place

A Roman Catholic priest, Innocent Umor, has been abducted by unknown men in Kogi state.

Narrating the incident to journalists, another Catholic priest who identified himself as Rev. Fr. Hyacinth, said Rev. Father Umor was kidnapped on Monday.

Rev. Father Umor is the parish priest of the Catholic church at Ikanepo in Ankpa Local Government Area, Idah Diocese of Kogi State.

Father Hyacinth explained that the suspected kidnappers, numbering about five, stormed the parish at about 2.10am, on Monday with guns and took the victim to an unknown place.

Hyacinth said the kidnappers, after several hours after the abduction, called the Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Anthony Adaji, with the victim’s cell phone, and demanded N4m ransom.

Reports say the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr Samuel Ogunjemilusi, confirmed the abduction.

He said the incident was reported to him by his officers at the victim’s area as well as from the Bishop of the Diocese.

He stated that he had mobilised the anti-kidnap squad of the command, adding that efforts had been intensified to rescue the victim unharmed.

Ogunjemilusi said, “I have been informed of the incident by men on the ground and the Bishop of the Diocese.

“The kidnappers entered the Rev. Father’s house at about 2.10am. I have already deployed men of the anti-kidnap squad of my command to ensure the safe release of the abducted Rev. Father. Nobody or group had claimed responsibility for the criminal act.”

oge okonkwo