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The kidnapped Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Kanu-Uche, has regained his freedom.
The Eastern Updates had on Monday reported that the cleric was kidnapped alongside the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, and his (the Prelate’s) chaplain on Sunday on his way to ABSU.
They were kidnapped in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
Details of their release were sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
But a very reliable source from the church confirmed their release to newsmen on Tuesday morning.
‘To God be the Glory. His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche; his Chaplain, Very Rev. Abidemi Jeremiah Shittu and the Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, have regained their freedom few minutes ago. Thank you all for your prayers,‘ the source said in a short message which was made available to The Eastern Updates.
Read Also: Methodist Church Prelate, Samuel Kanu Kidnapped In Abia
The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria had condemned the kidnapping of the clerics.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the release of the victims to one of our correspondents on Monday.
He said, ‘They have regained their freedom but details are not yet available.’
Ogbonna, however, noted that he could not give details as to whether a ransom was paid to secure the release of the kidnapped victims or not.
The Eastern Updates had reported that the cleric and the two other victims were returning from a programme in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State when the gunmen laid a siege to their vehicles and whisked them away.
As the news of the kidnapping became public knowledge, it threw the Methodist Church, the Christian Association of Nigeria, among other religious bodies, into prayer for their safe return home.
The Senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, also pleaded with Imo and Abia States to ensure the release of the Prelate and the other two other victims.
