A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, who was kidnapped by gunmen last Friday in Imo State, has regained freedom.
It was gathered that Fr. Opara, popularly known as Owu Ujo, was released on Sunday night by his abductors.
He was kidnapped along Ejemekwuru-Ogbaku road between Oguta and Mbaitoli local government areas of Imo State while returning to Owerri.
He was said to have participated in the funeral ceremony of a colleague’s father at Izombe community in the Oguta Local Government Area and was heading to Owerri when he was abducted.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, said, Opara, who is in charge of Man of Order and Discipline of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, was released unharmed.
However, the source could not ascertain if any ransom was paid for
Opara’s release.
“Details surrounding his release are sketchy for now, but the important thing is that he has been released,” the sourced said.
Confirming Opara’s release by his abductors, the Police command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye said the command would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the culprits are brought to justice.
“The priest was released as a result of the pressure mounted on the criminals by our operatives, who were on undercover operation.
“The command is trailing their track to possibly arrest them because we will not allow criminals to take over the State,” Okoye said.