More facts have emerged on how four Catholic priests were on Tuesday abducted by gunmen while on their way to Ekpoma, Edo State.
The names of the priests were given as Rev. Fr. Victor Adigboluja (Ijebu Ode Diocese), Rev. Fr. Anthony Otegbola (Abeokuta Diocese), Rev. Fr. Joseph Ediae (Benin Archdiocese) and Rev. Fr. Obadjere Emmanuel (Warri Diocese).
It was gathered that the priests were, after a successful meeting in Warri on Tuesday evening, en route to Ekpoma, when they were abducted by the gun men who ambushed them.
A few of them on the entourage managed to escape the scene with their damaged cars, while the four priests fell victim.
The priests were reportedly returning from an annual class meeting that was held in Warri between Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th, November 2018, to mark their 10th Year Priestly Anniversary.
They were headed for the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, their alma mater, to celebrate with the Seminary community as part of the alumni event for this year when they were abducted.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, said the police are working hard to rescue the kidnapped priests.
Mustafa further disclosed that the kidnappers had opened communication with families of the victims to demand ransom, but quipped: “You know we don’t encourage payment of ransom, but definitely, we will ensure their release.”