Kidnaped Enugu Catholic Priest Regains Freedom

Reverend Marcellinus Okide, a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, was released from captivity on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Fr. Wilfred Agubchie, Chancellor and Secretary of the Diocese, who confirmed this situation, stated that Fr. Okide was released at around 8 p.m. on September 21, 2023.

The statement from the Chancellor reads “We are glad to inform you that our brother and priest, Fr. Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has been released from the den of the kidnappers. He was set free at about 8.00 pm on Thursday 21 September 2023.

“The Catholic Diocese of Enugu is grateful to the Almighty God for His protection over Fr. Okide, and thanks you for your prayers and Masses throughout this difficult period.

“May Our Lady, Help of Christians, intercede for us and our country Nigeria.”

Recall that Fr. Okide was kidnapped while on the Eke-Egede-Affa Road in Enugu State’s Udi Local Government Area.

The terrible occurrence happened when Fr. Okide, a priest of St. Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish in Udi LGA, was traveling to his parish.

Along with the priest, six other travelers were abducted on the same road.

The statement omitted any information regarding whether the N100 million ransom sought by the kidnappers to release the priest and six other hostages was paid.