By Douglas Princemola
Our Reporters reported on Monday that Fr Okide, a Parish priest of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Amofia-Agu Affa in the Udi local government area of Enugu State and six other travellers were kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
Reverend Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide, who was kidnapped on Sunday evening, has finally regained his freedom.
Fr Okide was released on Thursday night after spending days in the kidnappers’ den.
Our Reporters reported on Monday that Fr Okide, a Parish priest of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Amofia-Agu Affa in the Udi local government area of Enugu State and six other travellers were kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
He was kidnapped on Sunday evening around 5:30 pm while going to his parish along Eke-Affa-Egede Road.
However, confirming his release to Our Reporters on Friday morning, the Diocesan Communication Director, Rev Fr. Anthony Aneke, said Fr Okide was released around 8:00 pm on Thursday night.
In a short statement made available to Our Reporters which was signed by Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Fr Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, thanked Christians for their prayers during this trial moment.
The statement partly read: "We are glad to inform you that our brother and priest, Fr. Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has been released from the den of the kidnappers.
"He was set free at about 8.00 pm on Thursday 21 September 2023.
"The Catholic Diocese of Enugu is grateful to the Almighty God for His protection over Fr. Okide, and thanks you for your prayers and Masses throughout this difficult period.
"May Our Lady, Help of Christians, intercede for us and our country Nigeria."
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