By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba, of St. Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
Sources said that Rev. Father Ezemba was abducted with other yet to be identified commuters during the incident which took place last Saturday in Imane along Imane-Ogugu road.
Consequent upon the incident, the Roman Catholic community in the area was thrown into confusion as one of the priests; Fr. Michael said that they were in panic as much as they were confused over the matter.
“Our confusion is high because since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact to demand for ransom.
“But we are however confident that Almighty God will deliver him safely from the grip of the kidnappers. We believe strongly in the efficacy of our prayers. He will eventually regain his freedom” said Fr. Michael.
Against the rampant cases of kidnap and other security breaches in the area,Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW), have been combing the bushes and forests in the locality to track down the kidnappers.
Rev. Fr Michael said that abduction of Rev. Fr Ezemba is not the first incident of kidnapping in the area, in the last one week adding that a lawyer; A.B. Shuaib was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, September 7th and later released after his family paid a ransom.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idah branch has called on government at all levels to take adequate steps to address security concerns, particularly, the issue of incessant kidnappings going on in the state, especially in Kogi East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the Branch, James Michael, Esq expressed sadness over the recent spate of kidnapping including the recent kidnapping of a lawyer, A.B. Shuaib, Esq., a member of the Branch.
“Recent incidents, including the kidnapping of our member, A.B. Shuaib Esq, at Okugo in Olamaboro LGA, and frequent abductions along Okura-Ojapata, Ochadamu-Itobe-Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road, and Ikeje-Alloma roads, underscore the dire need for enhanced security measures.
“It is expected that the Government will hearken to the cry of concerned citizens to take drastic action in addressing the issue of recurrent kidnappings going on in Kogi State”, Michael said.
