Abducted Catholic priest, Fr. Cyril Okafor, rescued by vigilante in Anambra
The Catholic priest, Reverend Father Cyril Okafor, was rescued by the Umueri community self-defense team, less than 24 hours after his abduction in Anambra.
The priest was abducted on Tuesday afternoon, November 15, around Holy Spirit Worship Center, Igboukwu in Anambra State.
The General Chairman of the Umueri Community and African Director of the Defenders of Peace International Association, Chief Johnny Chukwudi Metchie said on Wednesday November 16 that the cleric was abducted around 3pm on Tuesday but rescued around 4.30am on Wednesday. by the vigilante team that intercepted the kidnappers.
He said: “Today at around 4.30 a.m. the nimble men of the CSO-led Umueri Self-Defense Group on Friday intercepted kidnappers in Umueri and rescued a Reverend Father, identified as Reverend Father Cyril Okafor.”
The statement said the cleric, who is currently with the police at Otuocha Police Station, was taken to Enugu and then to Nteje by the kidnappers before finally being dumped in an abandoned house in Umueri.
Metchie warned criminal elements to stay away from Umueri and the entire Omambala region, stressing that the joint task force in place would always pick them up for the law to deal with.
He further urged members of the community and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and work with local security to ensure crimes are reduced in the area.
