Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, a Catholic priest from St. Patrick Church in Ichida, has been kidnapped by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to intelligence sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the abduction took place around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday when four armed men, driving a white Lexus 330 SUV with an unidentified registration number, intercepted the priest and forcibly took him along with his Toyota Highlander SUV.
Security operatives, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, launched a rapid response and pursued the kidnappers.
The chase culminated in a gun battle at a road intersection between Oraeri and Akwaeze villages.
Although the attackers managed to escape, their vehicle suffered extensive damage, including a shattered rear windshield.
Authorities are continuing efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the priest.