May 12, (THEWILL) The abducted Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh, of St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has regained freedom after three days in the criminal den.
A source within the Parish, who spoke with THEWILL in Uyo, disclosed that the priest was released in the early hours of Thursday.
However, the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity did not mention if any ransom was paid to the hoodlums before his release.
THEWILL recalls that, Very Rev. Fr. Uboh was kidnapped on Sunday May 8, 2022, at around 7:30 pm at his residence shortly after he returned from visiting a sick member.
Prior to his release, the Catholic Secretariat in Uyo, had called for intense prayers from faithfuls within and outside the Diocese of Uyo and also, men/women of goodwill in the last 24 hours for his quick release.
A statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ekeng dated May 9, 2022 titled, “A Call for Prayers for Abducted Priests” conveyed the deep feelings of the Diocese over the abduction of the clergy at his parish residence.
According to the statement, “it is with great pain that we officially confirm and announce to you the abduction of one of our priests, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh, from his parish residence at St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“The unfortunate event happened on Sunday May 8, 2022 after he returned to his residence from visiting a sick member”.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command at the time of filing this report said, it was unaware of the release of the cleric.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Odiko McDon who spoke with THEWILL correspondent on the telephone said, “I have not been informed of the release of the Catholic priest; but I will speak when I am officially briefed”.
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