The priest, who has been identified as Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, was reportedly kidnapped along the Auchi-Okpella Highway on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

The parish priest of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Okpella's kidnap is coming three days after the kidnap of the head of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andrew Ehanire.

The Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, reportedly confirmed the incident on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Dunia, who spoke at a press conference in Auchi, stated that the priest was returning to his parish when the incident occurred.

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The bishop said, “The abductors have contacted the church and demanded a ransom, but the church is not a profit-making organisation. We call on security agencies to ensure the release of the priest.

“The diocese is calling for an unconditional release of the priest. We are holding a mass for the unconditional release of the priest.”