August 14, (THEWILL) – Gunmen have kidnapped the Deputy Registrar of Spiritan University, Nneochi, Fr Chinedu Nwadike.
Nwadike, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped on Friday, on the Umunnochi-Ihube road, by the Enugu-Okigwe road.
The priest was abducted alongside a seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor.
Nwadike is a native of Eziama in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State.
A family source said, “Rev. Fr. (Dr) Chinedu Nwadike, (Cssp), from Umuezeanoruo Eziama, Nkwerre LGA, Imo State and a young Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor (Pre Postulant), were on Friday, 12th August, 2022, kidnapped on their way to Enugu State, Umunnochi area, along Enugu-Okigwe Road.
“Both are members of the Holy Ghost Congregation missionaries, living their lives of sacrifice and selflessness in service to a better society.
He is currently the deputy registrar of SUN (Spiritan University Nneochi).”
Another source said, “Fr Chinedu Nwadike was kidnapped Friday, August 12, 2022, at Nneochi area, shortly after driving out of the gate of his university, Spiritan University Nneochi (SUN), on his way to Enugu.
“This is the second attempt to kidnap him in very recent times. In the first attempt, they shot directly at him, but he managed to escape, but this time they succeeded and are said to be demanding a ransom of N50 million. Curiously, a military checkpoint is located around the place.”
Confirming the incident, the priest’s younger brother, Chikezie, said the family is praying for the safe return of his older brother and the seminarian.
The spokesperson for the police in Imo state, Micheal Abattam, is yet to respond to an inquiry concerning the incident.
In another development, a father, who was alleged to have kidnapped and killed his 15-year-old daughter in Kogi State, has been arrested by the Kogi police command.
Police Spokesman in the state, SP William Ovye-Aya, who confirmed the incident in Lokoja, said a friend of the girl’s father was also arrested, adding that one other suspect has been declared wanted.
He said the suspects work with the Federal Polytechnic, Idah.
“Miss Sherrifah was reportedly kidnapped on Aug. 4, at the family residence in Okenya, along Itayi Street, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government area of Kogi.
“The girl’s remains were only discovered a few days later, already mutilated and some parts missing”, he said.
Ovye-Aya said an investigation had commenced, including efforts to apprehend the third suspect, whose name was given as Adah.
“The State Commissioner of Police (CP), Edward Egbuka, has ordered a thorough investigation into the case and manhunt for Adah, now at large.
“In compliance with the CP’s order, the matter has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department in Lokoja”, he added.
He assured that the command would conduct a very thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances behind the girl’s death.
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