The Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, has shared how he spent N1 million to aid in the rescue of a fellow priest who was abducted after returning from overseas.
Fr. Obimma, popularly known as “Father Ebube Muonso,” revealed that the kidnapped priest, identified as Fr. Nonso, was held captive in a forest for a week. Despite the police being aware of the situation, they claimed they lacked the resources to intervene. This prompted Fr. Obimma to take the lead in organizing the rescue mission with the help of his ministry’s security team.
He recounted that the abduction took place on December 17, shortly after Fr. Nonso’s arrival for the Christmas holiday. The priest was eventually released after a week of negotiations and action initiated by Fr. Obimma.
Speaking to his congregation in a viral video, Fr. Obimma said, “For seven days, Fr. Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers, and the government did nothing. I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands and use my resources to rescue him.”
He criticized the deteriorating security situation in Anambra State, questioning how the state’s security funds are being utilized. He shared that he had to reach out to another state for assistance in tracking the kidnappers.
“They used a tracker to pinpoint the kidnappers’ location and sent the details to me. I gave the information to local security personnel, but they asked what I expected them to do with it. They said they don’t enter forests,” he explained.
Determined to act, Fr. Obimma mobilized his ministry’s security team, instructing them to bring weapons. “I told our Chief Security Officer to gather his men, whether they had cutlasses or guns. I was ready to lead the operation myself. Only then did the police agree to step in, though they demanded N1 million for logistics,” he said.
The priest expressed disappointment in the security system, adding, “In a state where the governor receives security votes, individuals are left to fund security operations themselves.”
Fr. Obimma also highlighted the kidnappers’ confidence, stating that they left the victim’s phone on throughout his captivity, knowing it could be tracked. “The kidnappers didn’t bother turning off the phone because they knew the security agencies wouldn’t act. This shows the level of insecurity in Anambra State,” he lamented.
He further explained that even after external tracking located the kidnappers, the police only acted when he funded their efforts. “This state’s security system is broken. Only God can help us,” he concluded.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the priest’s rescue and announced an investigation into the claims.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “We are aware of the allegations, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered a full investigation. Further details will be provided after the investigation is concluded.”
