In A Second Attempt, Rev. Fr., Seminarian, Abducted; Ransom Is N50m

By Charles Igbo

The Deputy Registrar of Spiritan University Nneochi, SUN, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Nwadike, a Catholic Priest,  has been abducted  by gunmen.

Abducted along with Fr. Nwadike on Friday, August 12, 2022, is a Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor.

It is not known, exactly, where they were abducted as there are two versions in circulation.

While one version said they were abducted in front of the University, as soon as they drove out of the University’s gate, another said they were kidnapped on Umunneochi-Ihube Road by the Enugu-Okigwe Road.

They are, however, agreed that the abductors have made contacts with families, asking for the sum of N50m for their release.

The Fr. is a native of Nkwerre, Imo State.

A family source is quoted as saying: “Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Nwadike (CssP), from Umuezeanoruo, Eziama Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, and a young Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor (Pre-postulant), were on Friday, 12th August, 2022, kidnapped on their way to Enugu State, Umunneochi area, along Enugu-Okigwe road.

“Both are members of the Holy Ghost Congregation Missionaries, living their lives of sacrifice and selflessness in service to a better society.

“He is currently the Deputy Registrar of SUN, Spiritan University Nneochi.”

However, another source said he was kidnapped as soon as he drove out of University gate. The source also revealed that an attempt had been made before now to kidnap the Rev. Fr., but that he miraculously escaped even after some gun shots were directed at him.

Said the source: “Fr. Chinedu  Nwadike was kidnapped August, 12th, 2022, at Nneochi area shortly after driving out of the gate of his University, Spiritan University Nneochi, SUN, on his way to Enugu.”

It is not known if the abduction was random or if the Rev. Fr. was specifically targeted, in which case, somebody must have divulged his itinerary to his abductors.

Said the source: “This is the second attempt to kidnap him in recent time. In the first attempt, they shot directly at him, but he managed to escape. But this time, they succeeded and are said to be demanding a ransom of N50m. Curiously, a Military checkpoint is located around the place.”

That stretch is notorious for the activities of kidnappers the Military checkpoint, notwithstanding.

Recall that the Methodist Church Prelate, Samuel Kanu Uche, was kidnapped along the same stretch on May 31, 2022, along with his Chaplain and the Bishop of Owerri Diocese. The Prelate was on his way to the Imo Airport to take a flight back to Lagos after a Pastoral visit to Umunneochi. Their kidnappers were paid a whopping N100m which was delivered to them within  24 hours.

On release, he made allegations against the soldiers in the area, insisting he strongly suspected a connivance between them and their kidnappers who he identified as Herdsmen.

The youths in the area protested the Prelate’s ordeal by blocking the Enugu-Porthacourt express Road and asked for the sack of Military checkpoints in the area.

Fr. Nwadike’s brother, Chikezie said the family has embarked on prayers for his release and that of the Seminarian.

There is no statement from the Police, yet, at the time of filing this report.