Release Catholic priest held captive, Group appeals to abductors

The Anambra State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation demands the immediate and unconditional release of Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, a well-known Catholic priest who has been held captive for four days.

Father Gbuzuo, a priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha was abducted by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Wednesday at Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, at about 8am and his whereabouts has remained unknown.

The CLO, in a press statement issued on Saturday by its Chairman and Secretary, Vincent Ezekwueme and Chidi Mbah respectively, enjoined all Christians and people of goodwill to continue to pray for his urgent and immediate release to reunite with his family, Catholic Community and his loved ones.

The statement read partly, “The Civil Liberties Organisation most passionately calls for the unconditional release of Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo, in view of his health challenge, old age, immense contributions and selfless sacrifices towards spiritual, socioeconomic upliftment and healings of followers, members of his ministry and citizens by the grace and mercy of God. We pray for his prompt and immediate unconditional release from captivity.”

Recall that CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Commissioner of Police in the state, while addressing the Catholic Priests on the development in the Bishop Conference at Onitsha recently, revealed that police operatives had launched a man-hunt for the abductors and possible rescue of the priest.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, who had only been in office for a week when the incident occurred, addressed the concerns of the Catholic priests, reassuring them that the police would do everything possible to rescue the abducted priest unharmed and apprehend those responsible

But after three days, nothing has been heard again in that regard.