Delta Abducted Catholic Priests, Lawyer Regain Freedom

By Emma Ogiogbe, Warri

The Two Priests, Rev Fr. Raphael Ogigbah, Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Parish, Agabarah – Otor, under Warri Diocese and Rev. Fr. Kunav Chochos, a Missionary Priest of the schoenstartt fathers abducted on Saturday night at Agbarha Otor have regained freedom.

The priests and lawyer who were released by their abductors, were kidnapped at the gate of Ibru College, Agbaraha – Otor, Ughelli North local government area of the state.

Congress gathered that the released priests had been reunited with the leadership of the catholic diocese of Warri. However, the kidnappers had earlier demanded N20 million as ransom for the release of the two catholic priests but it could not be ascertained whether the ransom was paid to secure their release.

Confirming their release the police public relations officers (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright said; “The two Reverend fathers just got released few minutes ago and we are doing our best to arrest the suspects”

Similarly A human right lawyer based in Warri, Delta State, Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, has been set free by his abductors. Some gunmen had abducted the legal practitioner at about 6:30pm on Sunday at his chamber near Warri Main market, Delta State.

Delta State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident to newsmen said police operatives were investigating the matter.

One of the legal practitioner’s close associate who confirmed the release to newsmen said “Yes Akpo was kidnapped but he has been released”

The spokesperson for the state police command, Edafe also confirmed his release to newsmen, but noted that he could not say whether ransom was paid.