Some gunmen have kidnapped a Roman Catholic priest of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, in Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Father Felix Akpan.
According to Punch, Akpan, who is in-charge of St. Michael De Archangel parish at Ikot Etim in the Ukanafun Local Government Area, was abducted by yet-to-be identified gunmen along Abak-Ukanafun Road.
The priest was also said to be a teacher at Top Faith International School, Mkpatak in the Essien Udim LGA.
He was said to have been kidnapped by the hoodlums when he was returning from the school.
A resident, who witnessed the abduction, said, “The hoodlums blocked him on his way back from the school at Mkpatak, in the Essien Udim LGA, along Abak-Ukanafun Road. He was returning to his Parish in Ikot Etim.
“They forced him out of his SUV at gunpoint and bundled him into their car and sped off.”
Speaking to our correspondent, Akpan’s fellow priest, who did not want his name in print, stated that the kidnappers had yet to establish contact with the church.
He said, “However, the church has been praying for the priest’s safe release.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Donald Awunah, who confirmed the incident, said a team of police detectives has been deployed in the area of abduction to ensure that the priest was freed unharmed.
He said the priest’s SUV had been recovered at a mechanic workshop, adding that some suspects, who were found with the vehicle, had been arrested.
He stated that the suspects were aiding the police in their investigation.
“We are closing in on the gang. We have recovered the priest’s car in a mechanic workshop and arrested some suspects. The suspects are helping us in our investigation.
“The Nigeria Police Force will remain cautious with the investigation to ensure that the priest regains his freedom without any harm,” he said.
The CP appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police by volunteering useful information on criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.
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