*One gundown, others sustain injuries
Frim Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Police Command stated that they have recovered several items from hoodlums, while one person lost his life during the attack and three others sustained injuries in Okposi Community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, one of the hoodlums was neutralized during the exchange of gunfire, while others sustained injuries.
Some items recovered from them included: nine expended AK-47 rifle ammunition, pump action gun, live cartilages, handsets, sumec fireman generator, charms, among others.
She further stated that two other suspects were arrested while on a search in the bushes.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Augustina Ogbodo, used the opportunity to call on criminals to either lay down their arms or relocate from the state as it won’t be safe haven for them.
Also, in a related development, a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike and three other persons whose names could not be immediately ascertained, have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ebonyi State.
It was gathered that the trio were kidnapped alongside the cleric and taken to unknown destination.
Azubuike was kidnapped on Monday in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State close to his house in the area while returning from his pastoral duties in the area.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in the state announced Azubuike’s kidnap in a statement signed by its Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Uzoma Opoke titled “Call For Prayers”.
The statement reads in parts “Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbalaeze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State .
“He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
“May Mother Mary of priests, intercede for us. Amen. St. Joseph-Pray for us”
When contacted, Onovwakpoyeya who confirmed the incident said one of the hoodlums was killed while others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.
Reacting on the kidnapping of Rev. Fr., Mrs. Onome said she is yet to get information about the kidnapping.
