The Priest says that after some interval, the Nigerian Army arrived at the scene of the armed robbery and took some photographs.
“Thanks to Divine providence and protection, both the Bishop and his household are safe and unharmed,” Fr. Okonkwo says, and adds, “The Diocese has forgiven these robbers, while praying for their repentance.”
Media reports indicate that Nigerian troops, on October 31, foiled an attempt to kidnap Bishop Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria’s Imo State.
“The Catholic Bishop was saved after troops responded to a distress call at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday 31 October 2021,” DAILY POST reported.
According to the report, troops in response to a distress call swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission.
The media outlet quoted Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Nigeria’s Army Public Relations, as saying, in a widely circulated statement, that security agencies “will continue to deny freedom of action” to criminals.
“Troops will continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs operating within the sector especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season,” the Brigadier has been quoted as saying.
He adds, “Members of the public are advised to report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom.”
In the November 2 statement, Fr. Okonkwo expresses gratitude to the people of God who have supported the Nigerian Diocese following the incident.
“The Catholic Diocese of Orlu wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of prayers and concern from the faithful and wider society while calling for intense prayers for peace and security of lives and properties of our people,” the Nigerian Priest says in his statement.
