Prelate, Owerri Bishop, Chaplain Kidnapped On Way From Church Close To Army Units

Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu, has been Kidnapped alongside two others while returning from church service on Sunday in Leru area, close to Okigwe, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

OsazuwaAkonedo reports that between Lokpuku community in the local government and Okigwe in Imo state, Nigerian Army has over three anti terrorism special units on the road.

Residents said as early as 2013, the military identified Lokpuku area as possible hot bed of terrorists camp hence a special army unit with armoured tanks and high precision weapons have always stationed in the area since 2013 till date. The army formation is very close to Garriki, a settlement mostly dominated by herdsmen in Enugu state along the Enugu-Port Harcourt express way.

Also in 2014, residents said a mini military barack was set up with hundreds of soldiers at a location close to Leru junction along the Enugu-Port Harcourt express road within the Isuochi community.

“A throw stone from Leru junction, is another special military checkpoint and mini barack at Okigwe that has been in existence for years”, a resident who does not want his name mentioned said.

It was gathered that the yet to be identified gunmen also Kidnapped Dennis Mark, the Methodist Bishop of Owerri and the Prelate’s Chaplain after sporadic shooting that forced the vehicle conveying the clergymen to stop.

Residents said the clergymen were kidnapped in the afternoon while they were on their way from a programme in the council area.

The Police Public Relation Officer in Abia, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN correspondent.

“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,” the police said.