AFRICA/NIGERIA - The priest and his companion kidnapped in southeastern Nigeria released

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Father Kingsley Eze and his companion Uchenna Newman, who were victims of a kidnapping on November 30 in Umuekebi, Osuoweerre, in the Isiala Mbano local government region of the State of Imo, southeastern Nigeria (see Fides, 4/12/2023), have been released unharmed.
The release of Fr. Eze, affectionately known as Fr Ichie, and Uchenna Newman was officially announced on December 8. According to Nigerian press reports, the kidnappers contacted Uchenna Newman's wife, from whom they initially demanded a ransom of 50 million naira (approximately 58,850 euros) to free her husband and the priest.
However, in subsequent communications, the sum was reduced to 10 million naira (approximately 11,769 euros). According to information provided by the local press, the sum of 500,000 naira (approximately 582 euros) was finally paid to the kidnappers as a ransom to secure the release of Fr. Kingsley Eze and his companion Uchenna Newman. In addition, the vehicle in which both men were traveling was recovered.
It is essential to contextualize the abduction of Father Eze within the framework of the general deterioration of security conditions in Imo State, as well as in other states in the south-east of Nigeria, where attacks by armed individuals have been frequently recorded. These attacks typically target security agencies, government officials, and infrastructure. The kidnapping of the priest and his companion occurred three days after alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) killed two police officers. A fortnight ago, gunmen kidnapped and then killed the traditional ruler of the Otulu community. IPOB is fighting to form the independent State of Biafra, resulting from the separation from the rest of the southeastern Nigerian federation and parts of southern Nigeria. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/12/2023)

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