Father Kingsley Eze, aka Father Ichie, the head of St. Michael’s Catholic Church parish in Umuekebi, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
The priest and another man identified as Uchenna Newman, who was driving the priest in a Volvo Jeep, were kidnapped at Oliama Junction on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at about 8:00 pm.
The suspects also allegedly assaulted a store owner at the intersection before leaving the scene.
A parishioner, speaking to Punch on condition of anonymity, admitted to the kidnapping.
‘It’s true. Our parish priest, Fr. Kingsley Ezeh, aka Father Ichie, was kidnapped. He was abducted at Oliama Junction on Thursday at about 8 p.m. along with Mr. Uchenna Newman.
‘Before they were abducted, they got out of a Volvo jeep to buy something at the junction. They also attacked a businessman at the junction. It is very unfortunate. We pray for the safe return of the parish priest and Mr. Uchenna.”
A resident of the area said this was the third incident in as many weeks.
He said, “A man and a priest were abducted at Oliama Junction last night at about 8:30 p.m. Several stores were attacked and destroyed by the kidnappers on two motorcycles.
The priest’s name is Father Kingsley Eze, aka Father Ichie, of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Umuekebi Community. The person kidnapped with him is called Uche Newman. This is the third kidnapping in as many weeks on Anara Umuelemai Road.
‘Seriously, we need help. The worst part is that they are traveling on motorcycles with pump-action guns. Please, the government needs to come and help us.”
They came on two motorcycles and took the cars of a priest and a craftsman. They also opened fire and unfortunately one of them was hit. The victim who was shot was taken to the hospital late last night”.
