A priest of the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Joseph Igweagu, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Anambra.

Mr Igweagu, the parish priest of St. Joseph Parish, Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, was kidnapped Wednesday on his way home after a vigil at Umunnachi in Njikoka area of the state.

A statement on behalf of the church by the chancellor, Prudentius Aroh, on Tuesday in Awka, announced the incident.

The statement, however, did not say whether his abductors called to demand ransom or not.

“Rev. Fr. Igweagu was kidnapped while returning to his house after celebrating a funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi on Wednesday evening, Oct.12.

“We solicit sincere prayers for his unconditional release from the hands of his abductors. The Archdiocese of Onitsha is doing everything possible to secure his freedom.

“While we pray for the conversion of his abductors, we call on our Mother Mary to intercede on his behalf so that he will be quickly released unhurt.”

When contacted, Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, said the command was unaware of the incident.

“There is no such report before me, please. I urge the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha to come forward with necessary information that will help us embark on investigations for possible rescue of the victim,” Mr Ikenga said.

(NAN)