A wave of anxiety has gripped Rivers State following the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Livinus Maurice, along with two others, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. The priest, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday while returning from a hospital visit along the Elele-Isiokpo Road.
The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt confirmed the disturbing development in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Bernadine Anaele, urging the faithful to intensify prayers for the swift and unconditional release of the abductees.
“Although the matter has been reported to the security agencies, Christ’s faithful of Port Harcourt Diocese and Nigeria at large have been urged to intensify prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the priest and those with him,” part of the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to secure the victims’ release. Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that security forces are actively investigating the case.
“The command is aware of the incident, and we are making frantic efforts to ensure the priest is released unhurt along with the two others,” she said.
She further assured that law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
This latest abduction adds to the growing security concerns in the region, as kidnappings targeting religious leaders and civilians continue to escalate. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with calls for the government and security agencies to intensify measures to curb the rising wave of insecurity in Rivers State and beyond.
PIONEER NEWS 