By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh of St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State who was abducted by unknown gunmen has regained freedom.
A source within the Parish, who spoke under anonymity disclosed this on Thursday, saying, the priest was released around 2am today (Thursday).
However, he did not mention if any ransom was paid to his abductors.
It would be recalled that, Very Rev. Fr. Uboh, was kidnapped on Sunday May 8, 2022 around 7:30 pm at his residence shortly after he returned from visiting a sick member.
Prior to his release, the Catholic Secretariat in Uyo, had called for intense prayers from faithful within and outside the Diocese of Uyo and also, men/women of goodwill in the last 24 hours to do so for his quick release.
A statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ekeng dated May 9, 2022 titled, “A Call for Prayers for Abducted Priest” conveyed the deep feelings of the Diocese over the abduction of the clergy at his parish residence.
According to the statement, “it is with great pain that we officially confirm and announce to you the abduction of one of our priests, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh from his parish residence at St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“The unfortunate event happened on Sunday May 8, 2022 after he returned to his residence from visiting a sick member.”
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command at the time of filling this report said, it was unaware of the release of the kidnapped Reverend Father.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Odiko McDon who spoke with our reporter on the telephone on Thursday, said, “I have not been informed of the release of the Catholic priest; but I will speak when I am officially briefed”, he said.
