Gunmen have kidnapped Reverend Father Livinus Maurice, a Catholic Priest of the Port Harcourt Diocese, along with two unidentified individuals.
Father Maurice, who serves as the Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was taken while returning from a hospital visit on the Elele-Isiokpo road.
A statement issued by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, on behalf of the bishop, confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 12.
“While the matter has been reported to security agencies, the faithful of the Port Harcourt Diocese and Nigeria as a whole are urged to intensify their prayers for the safe and unconditional release of the priest and those with him,” the statement added.
When reached for comment, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that the Command is aware of the situation.
She assured that measures have been put in place to ensure the safe rescue of the priest and the two others, as well as the apprehension of the suspects.
