Catholic priest abducted in Ekiti

A Catholic priest in Ekiti diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade has been kidnapped by gun men in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti state.

The three man armed gang  stormed the residence of the cleric, who is the Parish Priest of St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Ido Ekiti,  on Tuesday, and operated between 7.30 and 8pm.

The cleric, who is a lawyer, also doubles as the Assistant Director, Justice, Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) of the church in the diocese.

The Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, who confirmed the development, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Etop John James, had been informed. 

The bishop said one of the three men pointed a gun at the head of one of the occupants at the priest's residence and ordered him to lead them to Fr.Akingbade's room where he was abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

The bishop, who described the incidence as "very sad and devastating"said the abductors also went away with the priest's computer laptop, undisclosed amount of money and handset.

He added "They told the priest that some amount of money had been paid on his life except if he could pay them N20 million.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alberto Adeyemi confirmed the story saying the command is working hard to get the priest released.

He added: "We are aware of it and we are following it up. The DPO in Ido informed the command about the incident and we are trying our best to get him released."