2 Kidnapped Delta Catholic Priests Regain Freedom

Two Catholic priests who were kidnapped by gunmen in Agbarha-Otor town, Delta State, have regained their freedom.

The priests, Rev Fr Raphael Ogigbah and Rev Fr Kunav Chochos were kidnapped on Saturday night and were held captive until Thursday when they were freed.

Ogigbah was the parish priest of St Francis Catholic Parish Agbarha-Otor, Catholic Diocese of Warri, while Chochos is a Missionary Priest of the Schoenstartt Fathers.

Ogigbah and Chochos’ release occurred at noon on Thursday, according to a senior priest in the diocese who confirmed the news to journalists.

It was unclear whether or not ransom was paid for their release, as the priest did not disclose this information.

However, previous reports had insisted that the abductors initially demanded twenty million naira as ransom for the release of the priests.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe told newsmen that authorities
took every security measure to ensure their safe release

Recall that the priests were kidnapped in front of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor near Ughelli last Saturday.

Chochos, who lives in Ibadan, was visiting his friend, Ogigbah, at Agbarha-Otor, the hometown of the famous Ibru family.