Delta Catholic priest kidnapped second time regains freedom

Gunmen

A Delta-based Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Jude Onyebadi who was kidnapped on September 26 has been freed.

Fr. Onyebadi was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen on his farm along the Isele-Uku/Issele-Mkpetime Road in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta.

“He was released on Tuesday evening and was immediately rushed to the hospital in Asaba for treatment,” a source close to the priest said.

It was not immediately clear if any ransom was paid for his release.

Delta police spokesperson Onome Onovwakpoyeya also confirmed the release of the priest.

Fr. Onyebadi is the parish priest of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Issele-Azagba.

This is the second time he is being kidnapped by gunmen.

He was first kidnapped on the same farm in 2018 but released few days afterwards.