In a recent development, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, a Catholic Priest who was kidnapped by gunmen last Friday in Imo State, has been freed from captivity. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Opara, also known as Owu Ujo, was released by his abductors late on Sunday night. The priest’s abduction had occurred along the Ejemekwuru-Ogbaku road between Oguta and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas of Imo State while he was returning to Owerri after participating in a funeral ceremony in Izombe community. This incident marks yet another case of a Catholic priest being targeted by criminals in the region.
Details of the Kidnapping
Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, who holds the position of Man of Order and Discipline in the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, was reportedly abducted while on his way back to Owerri from a funeral ceremony at Izombe community. The ceremony was held in honor of the father of one of his colleagues. The exact circumstances surrounding the kidnapping remain unclear, but it is believed that Opara was taken against his will along the Ejemekwuru-Ogbaku road. The incident caused considerable tension in the area, as the community anxiously awaited news of the priest’s safety.
Release and Status of the Priest:
Fortunately, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara has been released by his abductors, and he is reported to be unharmed. However, details regarding his release and whether any ransom was paid are yet to be confirmed. According to an anonymous source, the exact circumstances of his release are currently sketchy. Nevertheless, the primary concern is that the priest is now safe and free from harm. The Catholic community and the general public are relieved by this positive outcome.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations: The Imo State Police Command, through its spokesperson ASP Henry Okoye, has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara. ASP Okoye emphasized that the police are determined to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the kidnappers. He stated that the command’s operatives, who were conducting an undercover operation, exerted significant pressure on the criminals, leading to the priest’s release. The police are currently working diligently to track down the abductors and hold them accountable for their actions.
Sadly, this incident involving Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara is not an isolated occurrence in Imo State. Just a couple of weeks ago, Rev. Fr. Jude Maduka, the Priest of Christ the King Parish in Ezinachi/Ugwuago of the Diocese of Okigwe, was also kidnapped while preparing for a Eucharistic Mass celebration.
Additionally, in April, Rev. Fr. Michael Asumogha of St. Paul’s Catholic Parish in Osu, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, was similarly abducted and later released. These incidents highlight the growing concern and need for improved security measures to protect religious leaders and ensure the safety of the communities they serve.
Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, the Catholic Priest who was abducted in Imo State, has been released from captivity. While the details surrounding his release remain unclear, the important thing is that he is now safe and unharmed. The Imo State Police Command is committed to bringing the culprits to justice, and investigations are ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are held
