Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest In Delta State, Demand N15Million Ransom

A priest at the Emmanuel Catholic Church, Oviri-Okpe in Okpe Council Area of Delta State has been kidnapped by gunmen.

Reverend Father Christopher Ogaga who is also the priest of two other parishes — St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri Okpe and St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Aghalopke — is also the principal of St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe.

It was gathered that the priest’s captors have made a demand of N15 million ransom for his release.

According to reports, the Rev Father was driving alone, was kidnapped along the Arava-Oviri-Orere-Okpe Road on Saturday night while travelling to Warri to help the parish priest of Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport junction, Effurun, with Sunday morning Mass.

Confirming the development, the Delta state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, said his command had begun a search for the kidnapped priest and added that all would be done to ensure the priest’s speedy and safe rescue.

Mr Mustafa said: “Yes, we are already searching for the kidnappers. He was kidnapped two days ago.”