Kehinde Fajobi
Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, and two others have been released four days after they were kidnapped along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Their abduction last Wednesday prompted the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt to issue a statement, signed on behalf of the Bishop by Reverend Father Bernadine Anaele, calling for the priest’s unconditional release.
Confirming their freedom on Sunday, February 16, state police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko credited a police manhunt and pressure from a combined security team, including police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes.
“Please be informed that today, February 16, 2025, at about 06:30 hrs, information was received that the kidnapped victims, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice and others, have been released by their captors,” she stated.
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“Their release followed pressure from a combined security team comprising police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force in Isiokpo, and local vigilantes.
“The victims have been reunited with their families for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits.”