A Catholic Priest is reportedly abducted by herdsmen for the second time in the Issele-Azagba community of Delta State.
Issele-Azagba has come under frequent attacks by suspected herders in the last couple of years. Abductions have trailed all the attacks with young girls sometimes targeted.
Rev Father Jude Onyebadi, the Parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church was snatched for the second time in 4 years.
Reports say he was abducted during the weekend while inspecting his farm produce and settling workers for jobs done on the farm.
In December 2016, the priest was lured away from the same farm by gunmen to an unknown destination.
This time, Father Onyebadi was abducted alongside 3 of his workers who were later set free while he remains in captivity in the bush.
A search party has been organised by the Priest’s family in collaboration with area locals and vigilante. So far, efforts have yielded no results.
The Communications Director, Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Rev Father Uganwan said that church members have resorted to prayers for the safe return of the Priest. He adds that the matter has also been reported to relevant security agencies.
As at the time of this report, family members and the Catholic Church say that the suspected Fulani herdsmen have not contact the church or family members.
Uganwan appealed to the kidnappers to consider the fact that their victim is a priest and release him.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyega said that “The police have been dispatched to the bush to rescue the Catholic Priest.”