THE URGENT NEED FOR RELEVANT SECURITY OPERATIVES TO ADDRESS THE INCREASING CASES OF KIDNAP OF REVEREND FATHERS/PRIESTS, ESPECIALLY IN DELTA STATE

By Zik Gbemre

With the recent confirmed reports that some unknown gunmen have kidnapped four Reverend Fathers in Umutu/Abraka axis, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, which has added to the recent increasing cases of kidnap, especially that of Priests, the situation is seriously becoming a great source of concern, which both the Delta State Government and relevant Security Authorities urgently needs to step up to address.

Though, sources or various reports claimed that the said latest kidnap of four Priests, were abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the Police have said the identity of those behind the abduction were unknown. The Priests, who were said to be heading to Benin from Warri in a convoy, were reportedly waylaid on Tuesday October 6th, 2018, by the arms-wielding hoodlums and were whisked to an unknown location.

One of those whisked away by the kidnappers is Reverend Father Emmanuel Obadjere. The clergy men were reportedly in four vehicles but the kidnappers allegedly forced two of the vehicles to a halt, ordering the occupants to alight.

While we condemn this wicked act, and urge the relevant Security Operatives to act fast to secure the release of these four Priests, we however really do not understand why are these heartless evil people targeting Reverend Fathers/Priests?

These are people who have dedicated themselves entirely to the service of God and humanity with their whole heart and mind. And they are known to practically live on people’s goodwill. We hardly hear of stories of fraud connected to any Reverend Father/Priests, and we do not see Catholic Priests owning private jets or big mansions like we see with other Reverend Pastors of Pentecostal Churches.

It is believed that perhaps, since these Reverend Fathers/Priests are known to have lots of Church members as their goodwill bearers, it will be easy for their ransoms to be gathered by their members in an invent of a kidnap. So, they have now become lucrative targets for kidnappers.

While these are just speculations, the bottom line is that, the relevant Security Operatives should look into all of these concerns, and perhaps consider drafting Police Protection for some of these Reverend Fathers/Priests, especially those in Delta State. These kidnaps cases of Reverend Fathers/Priests are becoming too worrisome.

This was how we received news of the death of a Priest, one Rev. Fr. Louis Odudu, who was reportedly kidnapped and later released on September 16th 2018. There was also the reported kidnap of one Rev. Fr. Chris Ogaga, who was confirmed kidnapped on the night of Sunday September 2nd 2018, and his kidnappers were said to have asked for N15m.

This particular Priest was said to have been kidnapped on his way from his parish in Aghalokpe to Mother of the Redeemer, Effurun, where he was supposed to conduct Mass. The above are just the only cases reported and made known to the public. But we believe there are other cases of kidnap in Delta State and other parts of the country that are never reported or made known to the public.

The fact is that there is urgent need for relevant Security Operatives to tighten their belt to address these increasing cases of kidnap in Delta State, especially the kidnap of Priests. The kidnapping cases in Delta State is getting out of hand. Such kidnap cases are a dent on the image of Delta State. Prompt steps should be taken to address the situation.

Zik Gbemre.

National Coordinator

Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NPDC)

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