Gunmen have kidnapped a senior priest of the Anglican Communion in Rivers State.
The Vicar of St Jude’s Anglican Church, Odiemerenyi in Ahoada Diocese, Reverend Canon Bernard Hanson, was kidnapped around 8 pm on Wednesday along Umuapu-Elele-Owerri-Port Harcourt road.
He is also the clerical synod secretary of the diocese.
The senior priest was traveling in the company of Reverend Canon Umegbewe Jerome who managed to escape.
Bishop of Ahoada Diocese, Rt. Rev. Clement Ekpeye, confirmed the incident, describing it as a sign of the end time.
“The incident happened in the evening when Canon Hanson Bernard and Canon Umegbewe Jerome were journeying back to Port Harcourt after a clerical travel outside Rivers State,” a statement by the diocese said.
Ekpeye said while efforts are being made to ensure the quick and unconditional release of the priest, the prayer and spirituality department of the diocese has been commissioned to begin a prayer session against the ugly trend.
The bishop also admonished members of the diocese to join hands in prayers.
Ekpeye called on the Federal Government to tackle insecurity urgently.
He said that the abductors have opened communication with them.
