Kidnappers of Imo Catholic priest and his driver demand N10m ransom

Gunmen who abducted the parish priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Church Umuekebi in the Osuowerre autonomous community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Eze and his driver, have demanded N10m ransom.

Gunmen kidnapped the priest, also known as Father Ichie, and his driver, Uchennna Newman, at Orieama Junction and robbed shop owners at the scene last Thursday. 

The kidnappers also shot an onlooker, who was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

A parishioner who doesn’t want to be named told Punch on Wednesday, December 6, that their abductors had reduced the N50m ransom to N10m.

He said that the kidnappers had contacted the driver’s wife on Sunday and Monday and made a demand of N50m.

The parishioner said that the kidnappers also called on Wednesday and reduced the amount to N10m

“They called the driver’s wife on Sunday and Monday, respectively and made a demand of N50m. But I learnt that they have called again and reduced the amount to N10m,” 

“Where will the poor priest and the other person get that kind of amount from? Let nothing happen to them. We pray for their safe return.”