Catholic priest kidnapped in Enugu regains freedom

Malachy Asadu, the Catholic priest kidnapped in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, has regained his freedom.

Ebere Amaraizu, spokesman of the state police command, told NAN Asadu was released on Wednesday.

“The kidnapped Nsukka Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Malachy Asadu, has been released and reunited with the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka this evening,’’ he was quoted as saying.

The police spokesman, however, did not give further details on the release. Benjamin Achi, communications director of Enugu Catholic diocese, did not immediately respond to enquiries on the development.

TheCable reported that the priest was kidnapped on Monday along Imilike-Nsukka road in Nsukka.

He was said to be returning from a meeting at the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.

Asadu’s abduction comes less than a month after Arinze Madu, a priest and vice-rector at the Queen of Apostle Spiritual Year Seminary, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu local government area of the state, was abducted and later freed.

It is also the latest in a series of attacks targeted at clergymen in the state.

A number of the priests have been kidnapped while at least two have been killed in 2019 alone.

In August, priests in the state protested the attacks which they alleged are being carried out by herdsmen.