Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Delta state and demand 15 million Naira ransom

Rev Father Christopher Ogaga of Emmanuel Catholic Church, Oviri-Okpe in Okpe, Delta state, has been kidnapped and his abductors are demanding a ransom of 15 million Naira.



Ogaga is the parish priest of Emmanuel Catholic Church and also serves as a priest in two other parishes - St Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri Okpe, and St Jude’s Catholic Church Aghalopke. He is also the principal of St. Peters Clavers College, Aghalokpe.



The Rev Father was kidnapped on Saturday night while travelling to Warri to help the parish priest of Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport junction, Effurun, with Sunday morning Mass, The Nation reports. He was driving alone along the Arava-Oviri-Orere-Okpe Road leading to Warri when he was kidnapped.



Confirming the development, the Delta state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, said his command had begun a search for the kidnapped priest and added that all would be done to ensure the priest’s speedy and safe rescue.



Mr Mustafa said: "Yes, we are already searching for the kidnappers. He was kidnapped two days ago."