Catholic priest kidnapped in Kogi

Leo Michael, a reverend father and parish priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Obajana, Kogi etate, has been kidnapped.

Peter Adinoyi, Diocesan chancellor, Lokoja Catholic diocese, confirmed the kidnap to reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday.

He said the priest was returning to Obajana from Okene when he was kidnapped on a spot at Irepeni village, Okene -Lokoja road.

According to him, the matter has been promptly reported at the Irepeni police station.

He added that the army and the Department of State Seurvices (DSS), were also aware of the development.

However, Adinoyi said the kidnappers on July 25 called some members of the church to demand a N50 million ransom for the release of their priest.

He said the kidnappers later reduced the ransom to N20 million and further reduced it to eight million.

Adinoyi said the kidnappers gave the church up till 1pm of July 26 to pay the ransom and threatened to relocate the priest should the church fail to meet the deadline.

He said the church was unable to meet the deadline for the payment of the ransom demanded, calling on the security agents to assist in rescuing the cleric from his abductors.

Adinoyi also lamented over the incessant kidnapping of the less privileged in the state, describing the situation as unfortunate.

The spokesperson of the state police command, William Aya, a deputy superintendent of police, said he was not aware of the incident and promised to find out and call back.

However, he failed to call back as of the time of this report was filed.