Gunmen abduct priest in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Isaac Agubi, in charge of Holy Name Catholic Church, Ikpeshi, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the priest was kidnapped on Sunday along Auchi-Igarra road at about 5.00pm while on his way back to the parish from Auchi.

Detail of the kidnapping was still sketchy, but it was gathered that the kidnappers were yet to make contact with the family for ransom.

When contacted the spokesman of the police in the state, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident, saying that the priest was kidnapped and whisked away in his Toyota Corolla car by the gunmen.

He said police operatives and vigilante group were already searching the bush to rescue the priest.

In a related development, it was gathered that a lecturer with the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi and four others who were allegedly kidnapped in Edo central, have regained their freedom.

It was learnt that the victims were kidnapped by River Ose bridge, along Ifon-Uzeba-Kabo road, near Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

It was further gathered that the victims were released after a ransom of over N600,000 was allegedly paid by their relatives after spending four days with the kidnappers in the bush.