Catholic priest kidnapped in Imo regains freedom

Mathias Opara, the Catholic priest that was kidnapped by gunmen in Imo state, has regained his freedom.

Opara, who was kidnapped last Friday, was released by his abductors on Sunday night.

He was kidnapped along Ejemekwuru- Ogbaku road between Oguta and Mbaitoli LGA of Imo while returning to Owerri.

He reportedly went for the funeral ceremony of a colleague’s father at Izombe community in the Oguta LGA and was heading to Owerri when he was abducted.

NAN quoted a source as saying Opara was released unharmed.

However, the source could not ascertain if any ransom was paid for his release.

“Details surrounding his release are sketchy for now, but the important thing is that he has been released,” the source said.

Henry Okoye, police spokesperson, also confirmed Opara’s release.

Okoye said the command will not rest on its oars in ensuring that the culprits are brought to justice.

“The priest was released as a result of the pressure mounted on the criminals by our operatives who were on undercover operation,” Okoye said.

“The command is trailing their track to possibly arrest them because we will not allow criminals to take over the state.”