Update: Kidnapper Releases Catholic Priest, Apologizes To Him

Blueprint irector of Communications, Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr John Okopopu Wednesday,dsaid the abductors of Rev Fr. David Echioda have released their victim, saying he was not their target.

He alleged that the kidnappers also gave the victim N4, 000 to take care of himself.

Reverend Father David Echioda was kidnapped by gunmen at Alan-Akpa while returning from a missionary work.

Rev. Fr. Okopopu said the victim (Rev Fr Echioda) was released Tuesday at 6.30 am.

Okopopu also said the abductors told him they mistook him for a top politician who they had information he was going to ply the route.

According to the director of communication, the priest who was returning to Otukpo ran into the gunmen numbering six and armed with sophisticated weapons.

“Yes, the priest was released yesterday after the gunmen tortured him.

“The abductors said he was not their target and that they had information that a top person was going to pass through the road around 2pm.

“Unfortunately, when the gunmen could not see their target they began to rob and the priest was the first to run into them and they dispossessed him of his belongings, including the church money.

“They forced him into his vehicle, three men in the front, three at the back while one was searching the priest, all of them were speaking Hausa; the priest understands Hausa and communicated with them in Hausa. They tortured and later released him with an apology that he was not their target,” he said.

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