Gunmen kidnapped two Catholic priests, Rev. Father Chochos Kunav and Rev. Father Raphael Ogigba, on Saturday night in Delta State. The victims were travelling along the Agbaro Otor Road on their way to Ughelli when the gunmen ambushed them. Reverend Father Kunav, who works in Ibadan, was visiting his colleague, Reverend Father Ogigba of the Catholic Diocese of Warri at the time.
In a statement released on Monday by Rev Father Okereke Kizito, the Catholic community in Delta State called for prayers for the safe return of the abducted priests. The statement requested intense prayers for their quick and safe release.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the kidnapping, stating that the police are on the trail of the kidnappers. Meanwhile, on Sunday, a Warri-based lawyer, Akpomudiaga Odje, was also kidnapped. The lawyer was reportedly abducted around 6.30 pm local time at his chambers adjacent to Warri Main Market. However, Odje regained his freedom on Sunday night.
Omes Ogedegbe, a friend of the lawyer, confirmed his release to journalists. He expressed happiness and disclosed that Dr Mudiaga Odje had been reunited with his family. However, it remains unclear whether ransom was paid for his release