Fr. Joseph Azubike, the Catholic priest kidnapped on Monday in Ebonyi has regained freedom. Three others kidnapped with him have also been freed.

Rev Father Mathew Opoke, Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday night . He said the they were released unconditionally.

The Chancellor thanked Governor Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, security agencies and youths of the community for their efforts to secure their release.

He said: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:7.

“We are glad to inform you that Fr. Joseph Azubike, together with the other three persons, has regained freedom from his abductors.

“It is a thing of joy that God answered our prayers and gazetted the unconditional release of His servant in a very remarkable way.

“We are grateful to God for effecting this release. We are grateful to all those who swung into action on hearing the ugly news of his abduction together with three other persons.

“We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ebony State for his determination and concern towards the safety of those who were abducted.

“We thank the security agencies and the Youths of Isu Community. We thank you for your prayers”, he added.

The priest, who is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area, was abducted near the Church while returning from his pastoral duties.

Source: The Nation