Reverend father kidnapped in Edo

A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Osia, was on Sunday morning kidnapped by armed men suspected to be kidnappers in Edo State.

It was gathered that the priest was kidnapped in Ikabigbo community in Etsako West local government of the state.

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It was also learnt that the priest was preparing for Sunday mass in the early hours of the morning when gunmen stormed his residence and kidnapped him.

A source in the community told Daily Trust that the community vigilante group was combing the bush to rescue the kidnapped priest.

He said the gunmen had shot one or the community members searching for the kidnapped reverend father and was rushed to hospital in Auchi from where he was referred to Irrua Specialist Hospital.

The traditional ruler of the community, Bramah Alegeh, confirmed the development, adding that effort was on to get the priest released.

He said the police and the army, in collaboration with local vigilante, are combing the bush to ensure his release.

When contacted, the Edo State Police Command public relations officer, SP  Chidi Nwanbor, said he was in church and would get back to our reporter.