Catholic Women ground Owerri, demand release of abducted bishop, driver

Members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), in their scores, yesterday, disrupted traffic and economic activities in Owerri, as they took to the streets to demand the immediate release from captivity of the auxiliary bishop of Owerri archdiocese of the church, Dr. Moses Chikwe and his driver, Robert Ndubuisi.

Led by the secretary of the organisation, Mrs. Irene Mba, the placard-carrying protesters, also marched to the Imo State Government House, where they met with the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Security, Dan Okoro, appealing for improved security and rescue of the hostages.

The duo was kidnapped last Sunday evening within the Sight and Services, World Bank and Umuguma axis in Owerri West Local Council after the priest had officiated a church service there. The hoodlums same day returned the cleric’s car, including his bishopric regalia and cassock, parked the car within the premises of Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, and left unchallenged.

Since then, there has not been any communication between the victims/abductors and the catholic authorities.

The women wondered why an anointed man of God would be abducted in that manner, maintaining that they needed to let the world know their grievances.

Receiving the protesters, Okoro told them that the state government was working round the clock to free the captives.

He urged the faithful to remain peaceful and prayerful.

In the same vein, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastic Province, Dr. Anthony Obinna, directed worshippers to intercede yesterday for the release of the duo.

The prayer programme, he clarified, would conclude with the adoration to the Blessed Sacrament.

The directive was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Msgr. Alphonsus Oha, Owerri Archdiocesan Chancellor/ Secretary.

The document read: “To all Episcopal Vicars in Charge of the Zones, His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, Archbishop of Owerri, directs that a special prayer programme is to be observed for the release of His Lordship, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri and his driver, Ndubuisi Roberts. The programme takes on Thursday, December 31, 2020.

“The programme begins at 4:00 p.m. with Rosary procession in or around the parish Church. The prayer programme concludes with the adoration to the Blessed Sacrament. Please, communicate this information to the parishes, Chaplaincies, special jurisdictions in your zones. God bless you.”