Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, along with two others in Rivers State.
Maurice, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was abducted on Wednesday while returning from a hospital visit along the Elele-Isiokpo Road.
The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Chancellor, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele.
The diocese urged the faithful to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the priest and his companions.
“Although the matter has been reported to the security agencies, Christ faithful of Port Harcourt Diocese and Nigeria at large have been urged to intensify prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the priest and those with him,” part of the statement read.
State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the abduction, stating that security forces are actively investigating the case.
“The command is aware of the incident and we are making frantic efforts to ensure the protest is released unhurt and the two others,” she said.
Iringe-Koko assured that efforts are underway to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators.