Two of the suspects.
… as gunmen abduct Catholic priest, three others
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
The Police in Ebonyi State have confirmed the death of one armed robbery suspect and gunshot injuries to three other gang members during a confrontation with the police at Okposi community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, who made the confirmation, listed some the items recovered from them to include nine expended AK-47 rifle ammunition, pump action gun, live cartilage, handsets, sumec fireman generator, charms, among others.
She further stated that two other suspects were arrested while combing the bushes.
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Also, on the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo, urged criminals to surrender or relocate from the state as it won’t be safe haven for them.
In a related development, a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, and three other persons whose names could not be immediately ascertained, had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ebonyi State.
It was gathered that the three persons were kidnapped alongside the cleric to an unknown destination.
Azubuike was kidnapped on Monday in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State close to his house, while returning from his pastoral duties in the area.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in the state announced Azubuike’s kidnap in a statement signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Uzoma Opoke, titled, “Call For Prayers”.
According to the statement, “Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbalaeze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
“May Mother Mary of priests, intercede for us. Amen. St. Joseph-Pray for us”
But, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said that she was yet to get information on the kidnap of Rev.Fr. Joseph Azubuike and three others at Mgbalaeze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
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