My Abductors Not Nigerians – Methodist Prelate, Uche

By Akinwale Kasali

The Prelate of the Methodist  Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Uche, has revealed that his abductors are not Nigerians.

As he gradually recovers from the trauma of his near-death experience in the hands of his abductors, Dr Uche, on Thursday, during an interview with Arise Television revealed the real identities of his abductors. They are from neighbouring countries, he said, but are settled in Nigeria, except one of them, born in Umuahia, who speaks Igbo.

Uche was abducted on Sunday, May 30, 2022, at Umunneochi, Abia State, on his way to Owerri Airport to board a flight after an Apostolic work at Isuochi.

Abducted with him were the Bishop of Owerri Diocese, His Lordship Dennis Mark, and the Prelate’s Chaplain.

They were released Monday evening after their abductors were paid the sum of N100 million.

In his first press interview on Tuesday at the Methodist Cathedral, Yaba, Lagos, the Prelate had made a blanket allegation. He said his abductors were Fulani. He also alleged that the Soldiers stationed around the area he was kidnapped were complicit.

However, Speaking on Arise TV,  Prelate while narrating what happened revealed his abductors are Fulani, but Nationalities of Sudan, Mali, and Songhai.

He said, “I went for an apostolic duty to endorse the association of Methodist Brigades where I preached. I was rushing to Owerri Airport en route to Lagos.

“On our way, three boys came out from the bush brandishing guns. They fired at our tyres which made the vehicle tumble.

“The leader introduced himself as the Commander General of the Forest, responsible for any kidnapping case. They asked for cooperation for ransom. He showed us where decomposed bodies were in a very big gully if  ransom was not paid.

“They threatened to kill me during the negotiations; these kidnappers have sponsors who are the brains behind it.

*”Their leader is a Fulani from Sudan. Two were from Mali, and another from Songhai but they have lived in Nigeria for many years.

“They were stark illiterates; only one who claimed to be born at Umuahia was fluent in Igbo and English.”

The Nigeria Army has dismissed the involvement of its personnel in the abduction of the Prelate.

The Army Director of Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who reacted to the reports, said the allegation “cannot be

be swallowed hook line and sinker.” He said the Cleric will be invited for debriefing.