Suspected Kidnappers of two Catholic Priests Demand N100m ransom

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ASABA- Suspected kidnappers of the two Catholic Priests kidnapped in Delta state have reportedly established contact with the Issele-Uku Diocese demanding a ransom of N100 million. Rev. Fr. Franklyn Odiaka and Rev. Fr. Moses Nwanochei were last Friday kidnapped around Obior, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state on their way from a ceremony in honour of their Bishop, Most Rev. Michael Elue. A source within the Diocese, who spoke with Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the abductors contacted some of their priests in the diocese. While noting that the church has begun praying for the release of the priests, the source said that the kidnappers insisted on getting the N100 million ransom before they will release their victims. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, who had earlier confirmed the kidnap of the priests, said the church had not lodged a formal complaint to the Police. Kalu in a text message said: “Up till now, the Police command has not received a formal or official report from the Catholic Church.” Meanwhile, members of the Assumption Catholic Church, Zappa, Asaba have since embarked on prayers for God to protect the victims and grant them unconditional release from their abductors. Another source in the church told newsmen that two prayer sessions were held yesterday after the usual Sunday masses, adding that “the first session which began by 2pm involved all women in the church while the second one which began by 4.30pm involved all the parishioners.”

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