Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest, 2 others in Rivers

A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, has been kidnapped alongside two other individuals in Rivers State. Maurice, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was abducted on Wednesday.

Sources indicate that the priest was taken while returning from a hospital visit along the Elele-Isiokpo Road. However, the identities of the two others abducted with him remain unclear as of Saturday.

The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, on behalf of the Bishop. The statement urged the faithful to pray for the safe return of the priest and those taken with him.

“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,” the statement read in part.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the abduction, stating that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“Yes, 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. “Also, the command has alerted all tactical units to ensure the suspects are apprehended and made to face the law.”