Catholic Bishop of Owerri, Moses Chikwe kidnapped

Catholic Bishop of Owerri, Moses Chikwe kidnapped

By John Fwah, Publisher/Editor

The Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri , Most Rev Moses Chikwe has been kidnapped.

According to the statement from the office of the Chancellor Secretary, Owerri Archdiocese, Rev Monsignor Alphonsus Oha, the sad incident took place at Site and Services New Owerri Imo State, on Sunday, 27 December 2020.

Our correspondent learnt that the 53 year old bishop was kidnapped alongside his driver at the World Bank area of Owerri, the state capital.

A source said the gunmen kidnapped the Auxillary bishop and his driver in his car and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

But it was learnt that hours later, the vehicle of the kidnapped cleric was found in front of the archdiocesan headquarters in Owerri.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident when contacted by our correspondent late Monday.‌

Ikeokwu said though no official complaint had been reported at any of the police formations in the state, the state commissioner of Police, Isaac Akinmoyede, had activated the tactical units of the command to rescue the kidnapped bishop.

He said the CP had ordered the anti-kidnapping and Quick Intervention Units of the command to ensure the quick release of the victims

The release reads:

Archbishop J. V. Obinna, the Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese painfully informs Christ’s faithful and God’s people at large that Most Rev Moses Chikwe, Auxiliary Bishop of was kidnapped late evening Sunday, 27th December, 2020, 

The sad incident took place at Site and Services New Owerri Imo State.

The Archbishop appeals to all to join in prayer for Bishop Chikwe’s quick release.

Rev Monsignor Alphonsus Oha, Chancellor Secretary.
The Archdiocese therefore appeals for prayers for the quick release of Bishop Chikwe