File photo of gunmen
By BARBARA KALU, Awka –
Unknown gunmen have abducted a priest of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, in Anambra State.
Igweagu, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East LGA was kidnapped on Wednesday, Oct. 12 on his way home after a vigil Mass at Umunnachi in Njikoka area of the state.
The Chancellor of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka.
The statement titled: “An urgent call for sincere prayer for Kidnap of Rev. Fr Joseph Igweagu”, did not give more details as to whether his abductors had called to demand for ransom or not.
“It is with shock but strong faith in the love and protection of God that we announce to the Priests, religious, lay faithful of Onitsha Archdiocese and all men and women of goodwill, the abduction of our Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, the Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish Abata Nsugbe.
“Rev. Fr. Igweagu was kidnapped while returning to his house after celebrating a funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi on Wednesday evening, Oct.12.
“We solicit for sincere prayers for his unconditional release from the hands of his abductors. The Archdiocese of Onitsha is doing everything possible to secure his freedom.
“While we pray for the conversion of his abductors, we call on our Mother Mary, to intercede on his behalf so that he will be quickly released unhurt.”
