Lokoja, 06 June, 2022 / 9:30 pm (ACI Africa).
Negotiations for ransom are going on to secure the safe release of Fr. Christopher Itopa Onotu who was reportedly abducted from his residence at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish of Lokoja Diocese in Nigeria.
The Chancellor of Lokoja Diocese has, in a statement shared with ACI Africa, confirmed the abduction of Fr. Onotu and appealed for prayers for his safe release.
“We have received the sad story of the kidnap of our brother and Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Itopa Onotu, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Obangede, Kogi State,” Fr. Augustine Okafor says.
In the statement dated Sunday, June 5, the Chancellor adds in reference to Fr. Onotu, “From the story, it is apparent that he was kidnapped from the rectory last night together with his vehicle.”
In an interview with ACI Africa Monday, June 6, a Catholic Priest who did not want to be named said, “The kidnappers have made contact with the Diocese and they are asking 50,000,000 Naira ransom,” an amount equivalent to about US$120,500.00.
