Kidnapped Bishop, others released in Imo

By Dayo Badmus

Moses Chikwe, the Auxiliary Bishop Owerri and some other victims of kidnapping have been released by their abductors on Friday.

The Spokesman for the Imo state Police command, Orlando Ikeokwu confirmed the development on Friday, January 1.

According to him, their release is sequel to a sting operation by men of the Imo State Police Command.

Bishop Chikwe who was being chauffeured by his driver when their vehicle was attacked by the gunmen along the World Bank – Umuguma road in the evening on Sunday, December 27, was taken away together with his driver.

His car was later dropped at the Assumpta Cathedral.

His kidnap drew condemnation from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described it as the height of wickedness.

On Thursday, women under the aegis of the Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Women organization also called for the state government and security operatives to help secure the Bishop’s release.

Bishop Chikwe was consecrated a Bishop on December 12th, 2019. Before his appointment as an Auxillary Bishop by Pope Francis, he was the Director of Education of the Archdiocese and collaborator of the Parish of St. Thomas More.