Imo Catholic priest regains freedom, two days after abduction

The kidnapped priest of Christ the King Parish, Ezinachi, Ugwuago, Okigwe Catholic Diocese, Okigwe Local Council of Imo State, Fr. Jude Maduka, yesterday, regained freedom from his abductors.
   
Maduka was kidnapped Sunday morning by gunmen, who invaded his home as he was preparing for mass, and took him to an unknown place. A source from the parish told The Guardian that the gunmen had set Maduka free after security and other persons launched intensive search and manhunt for the abductors.
   
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “Rev Fr. Jude Maduka, who was kidnapped Sunday as he was preparing for mass, has been set free. He has reunited with the members of the Christ the King Parish, Ezinachi, Okigwe Diocese of the Catholic Church.”
 
The source, however, declined to comment on whether ransom was paid before the cleric was released.  Spokesperson for Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, was yet to comment on the cleric’s abduction and release.