Unidentified gunmen have reportedly abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Livinus Maurice, along with two others in Rivers State.
Fr. Maurice, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was allegedly kidnapped on Wednesday while returning from a hospital visit on the Elele-Isiokpo Road.
The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Bernadine Anaele. The diocese urged the faithful to pray for the priest and his companions’ safe and unconditional release.
“While the matter has been reported to security agencies, we call on the Christian community in Port Harcourt Diocese and across Nigeria to intensify prayers for the safe return of Fr. Maurice and those abducted with him,” the statement read.
Additionally, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the abduction and stated that security operatives are actively investigating the case.
“The command is aware of the situation, and we are making every effort to ensure the safe release of the priest and the other two individuals,” she said.
Iringe-Koko reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to secure the victims’ freedom and bring those responsible to justice.
