International

Breaking: Gunmen kidnap Methodist Prelate, 2 others in Abia

By Steve Oko

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, Sunday afternoon, abducted the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia.

The Prelate was kidnapped alongside two other clerics on his entourage – Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, the Methodist Bishop of Owerri; and the Prelate’s Chaplain.

The sad incident which occurred at the Lokpanta axis of dual carriage way has sent panic waves into the Methodist community.

The Prelate and his entourage were said to be on their way from a programme in Umunneoch Local Government Area.

Police Public Relation Officer in Abia, Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident, and said efforts were on to rescue the victims.

“It’s quite unfortunate. Efforts are on top gear toward his rescue as well as other priests with him.

“We solicit credible information from the public toward their rescue, please,” he said.

Kidnapping for ransom has become rampant along Uturu/Okigwe and Lokpanta axis.

Accusing fingers have always been pointed at herdsmen who maintain heavy presence around the area.