When Nigerian bishop was kidnapped, ex-parishioners in California prayed
Bishop Chikwe and his driver were released by their kidnappers unhurt and without ransom
Trending
Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe (center) of Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria. (Photo: Vatican News)
During his nearly 15 years in southern California, Father Moses Chikwe was always up to something, even when he wasn t taking graduate courses at Loyola Marymount University and UCLA.
The Nigerian priest helped in parishes, visited the sick in local hospitals, served as a prayer group chaplain, and joined soccer matches after Sunday Masses were done. He even handed out rosaries to strangers on the Venice Beach boardwalk.
Punch Newspapers
Sections
CHIDIEBUBE OKEOMA
The police in Imo state on Saturday explained how the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Moses Chikwe, was rescued from the creeks.
The police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, said the bishop, who was kidnapped on December 27, 2020, was rescued in a forest between Imo and Rivers states.
Ikeokwu also confirmed that the bishop’s driver, Ndubuisi Robert, was rescued.
He added that some persons were arrested in connection with the incident.
Ikeokwu said, “The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Bishop Moses Chikwe, has been rescued unhurt as a result of a sting operation embarked upon by the tactical squad of the command led by the anti-kidnapping unit.
kath net kath.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kath.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Advertisement
He was said to
have been kidnapped on December 27, alongside his driver, at a location not far from his residence in Owerri, the Imo capital.
Days after he was kidnapped, there were reports that he had been killed.
However, Nnaemeka Njezi, the diocesan assistant secretary, in a statement,
had denied the claim, and asked for prayers to ensure the safe return of the cleric.
Advertisement
“His Grace, Most Rev Anthony J.V. Obinna, Archbishop of Owerri, hereby requests all Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill at large to disregard the purported news feed on the killing of the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe,” Njezi had said.
Kidnapped Nigerian Catholic bishop, driver regain freedom
Mr Chikwe and his driver were freed on New Year day at about 10 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Moses Chikwe, who was kidnapped on Sunday, has been freed.
Mr Chikwe and his driver, Ndubuisi Robert, who was kidnapped with him, were freed on New Year day at about 10 p.m.
The Archbishop of the diocese, Anthony Obinna, confirmed their release in a statement on Friday night.
According to him, the bishop is still shaken from his traumatic experience while his driver is in the hospital for treatment for a deep cut inflicted on him by the kidnappers.