Abducted Catholic priest regains freedom after four days in kidnappers’ den in Akwa Ibom

Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh, parish priest of St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was kidnapped at his home on Sunday, May 8, 2022, and spent four days in the kidnappers’ den.

The priest was released around 2 a.m. today (Thursday), according to a source within the parish who requested anonymity. He added that he was not sure if the hoodlums were paid a ransom.

Prior to his release, the Catholic Secretariat in Uyo had requested fervent prayers from the faithful within and outside the Diocese of Uyo, as well as men and women of goodwill, for Fr. Uboh’s quick release.

The Diocese’s deep feelings over the abduction of the clergy at his parish residence were expressed in a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ekeng, on May 9, 2022, titled “A Call for Prayers for Abducted Priest.”

According to the statement, “it is with great pain that we officially confirm and announce to you the abduction of one of our priests, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh from his parish residence at St. Pius X Parish in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“The unfortunate event happened on Sunday May 8, 2022 after he returned to his residence from visiting a sick member”.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, told media in a telephone conversation at the time of reporting this article that he was ignorant of the priest’s release.
He did vow, though, to talk after he was formally briefed.
“I have not been told of the Catholic priest’s release; nevertheless, I will speak once I am formally briefed,” he added.