ABDUCTED PRIEST IN ANAMBRA RELEASED, VEHICLE OF SUSPECTS RECOVERED
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The Anambra State Police Command has successfully secured the release of Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, who was kidnapped by unidentified assailants.
Reports indicate that Echezona was abducted by the criminals in Ichida, within the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, while he was refueling his car at a local petrol station.
The assailants reportedly abandoned their vehicle and took the victim in his own car to an unknown location after engaging in a gunfight with police officers who had responded to the scene of the kidnapping.
In a statement released on Sunday, the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the victim was freed by a joint security team, which included the police, military, civil defense, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala, in the early hours of Sunday.
Ikenga said police operatives had taken over the scene where the priest was rescued in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of his Toyota Highlander.
He said, “In the early hours of today, March 23, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the police, military, civil defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was returned unharmed.
“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number.
“The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior firepower of the Joint Security Team fled the scene and held the Rev. Father hostage. The operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.
“In a coordinated hot chase by the operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the state were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.
“The joint security team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.
“Further developments would be communicated, please.”
In a separate development, the police command has apprehended two individuals involved in cultism and armed robbery, recovering firearms and other incriminating items.
Ikenga stated that the suspects were arrested by police officers during separate operations throughout the state.
He emphasized that the command is increasingly driven to fight crime and ensure the safety of the public.
He said, “On 22nd March 2025, police operatives attached to the Obosi Division on intelligent-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor Road arrested one Kosiso Okonwko ‘M’ and recovered one Berreta pistol.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of Aye Confertanity.
“In another operation, police operatives attached to B Division with some Mobile Police Men of 29 Squadron on stop and search by 9.20 pm along Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, Amansea intercepted a tricycle with Reg No. BBG 767 QH, driven by one Augustine Okafor ‘M’ wearing Army Camouflage trousers.
“During interrogation, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory answer, which caused the operatives to search him and recover one Berreta pistol, seven live ammunition, cash N15,600, substances suspected to be hard drugs and charms.”
He added that given the above, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, directed the immediate transfer of the case to the command’s tactical unit for a discreet investigation.
“The CP further notes that the Anambra police operatvies are more motivated and have been actively working to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state,” he added.
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