Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Fr. Gbuzuo Regains Freedom, 9 Days After Abduction

By Praise Chinecherem

Abducted Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo has been set free by his captors.

The priest was on May 15, 2024 abducted by unknown gunmen at Nkpor, close to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the feat was achieved through efforts of joint security task team of State Government and well meaning citizens.

He however did not share details of the priest’s release, but assured that government has commenced work to exterminate all criminal elements in the state.

He said: “This is to inform the general public that Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was kidnapped on 15th May 2024 along Nkpor-Obosi axis has regained freedom, through the onerous efforts of the joint security task team of Anambra State Government and well meaning citizens.

“The State Government will not rest on its oars, as we work to ensure that any person held in captivity is released unconditionally and unhurt.

“The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, appreciates the contributions of all well meaning people in the onerous effort to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable homeland.

“We also seize this opportunity to send a strong warning to all criminals, their collaborators and sponsors. The full weight of the law will be brought on all such persons who engage directly or indirectly in orchestrating criminal activities.

“However, note that the olive branch offer extended to criminal elements who operate in the mould of agitators is still open. They should avail themselves of avenues provided by the State for them to be trained, rehabilitated and integrated back into the society.”