Reverend Father Christian Ike, a Catholic priest based in Anambra State, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred on Sunday along Amagu Junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community, Orumba North Local Government Area.

Father Ike was abducted alongside another individual while returning from an early morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. Eyewitnesses reported that their vehicle was intercepted by armed men in three vehicles. While two other occupants managed to escape, the assailants kidnapped Father Ike and the other person, taking some personal belongings as well.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the abduction. Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the command has initiated a search for the victims by deploying intelligence and operational resources to ensure their safe rescue. “The command has activated its intelligence and operational assets for the possible arrest of the assailants and the unhurt rescue of the priest,” he said.

The Diocese of Ekwulobia has also confirmed the incident in a letter from Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, urging prayers for the safe release of Reverend Father Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Anike. The letter read, “Dear Brothers and Sisters, call for prayers. Kidnap case, Rev. Fr. Christian Ike. Please pray for the release of Rev. Fr. Christian Ike and Mr. Ogbonnia Anike, who were kidnapped this morning around 9:45 am as they were returning from Mass in an outstation of St. Matthew’s Parish, Ajalli, Orumba North L.G.A.”

This kidnapping marks the second incident involving a priest in the area within two months. On May 15, Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo was abducted near Onitsha and released weeks later after an undisclosed ransom was paid.