
GUNMEN ABDUCT CATHOLIC PRIEST IN PORT HARCOURT
DAREDEVIL kidnappers have abducted a Catholic Priest of Port Harcourt Diocese, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, along with two others.
Fr. Maurice is the Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The identities of the two others abducted alongside the priest could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report on Saturday afternoon.
They were reportedly abducted while returning from a hospital visitation along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwere Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt on behalf of the Bishop, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, said the incident took place on Wednesday, February 12.
It partly reads, “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 those with him.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing to ensure the victims’ release and the arrest of the culprits.
She stated, “Yes, the command is aware of the incident, and we are making frantic efforts to ensure the priest, and two others are released unhurt.
“Also, the command has alerted all tactical units to ensure the suspects are apprehended and made to face the law.”