An ambush by unknown gunmen has taken Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, a Catholic priest in the Onitsha Archdiocese of Anambra State, hostage, according to a May 16, 2024, press release from the archdiocese.
According to information obtained by BVN, the incident happened along the Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass on Wednesday, May 15, at around eight in the morning.
Prayers for the priest’s timely and safe release have been requested by the Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, and all other good-willed individuals.
The archbishop assured that efforts are on to secure Fr. Gbuzuo’s freedom, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of priests, for his speedy release from captivity.
In a statement signed by the chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Prudentius E. Aroh, it was disclosed that the priest was in residence at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Ogidi.
“Until now, the abductors have not established any contact with anybody,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, announced that the police were on a manhunt for the perpetrators.
