By Amaechi Okwara
Asaba
The kidnappers of two Catholic Priests of Issele-Uku Diocese yesterday demanded ransom of N100 million to release them.
Rev. Fr. Franklyn Odiaka who is the Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Assumption (Zappa Parish), Asaba and Rev. Fr. Moses Nwanochei were kidnapped on Thursday by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Obior, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.
The priests were returning from a ceremony in honor of the Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Michael Odogwu Elue before they were kidnapped.
It was said that the kidnappers opened negotiation with some of colleagues of the priests in the Diocese saying that they were demanding a ransom of N100 million to set them free .
Efforts to confirm the development from the church proved abortive as a source from the Diocese said that the kidnappers were insisting on the ransom before the victims could be released.
Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Celestina Kalu when cantacted said that the church has not formally report the matter to the police.
According to him, “Up till now, the police command has not received a formal or official report from the Catholic Church,”
Meanwhile, parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church have continued to sustain intensive spiritual exercise of prayers for God to protect the victims and grant them unconditional release from the den of the kidnappers.
Two prayers sessions were held yesterday after the usual Sunday masses. The first session which began by 2pm involved all women in the church while the second which began by 4.30pm involved all the parishioners.
