Security operatives rescue abducted Catholic priest in Anambra

A collaborative security unit made up of police, military personnel, NSCDC members, and local vigilantes successfully freed a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who had been taken by armed assailants at a fuel station in Ichida, located within Anaocha Local Government Area.

Rev. Echezona, serving as the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Ichida and the Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Awka Diocese, was seized on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, while attempting to purchase fuel at the station.

Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed this in a statement issued on Sunday, March 23, explaining that the alleged abductors, who were driving a white Lexus SUV without a registration plate, took the priest in his own car after ditching their vehicle amid a shootout with security forces who arrived at the scene of the assault.

“In the early hours of today, March 23rd, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was returned unharmed,” the statement read.

“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number.

“The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior fire power of the Joint Security Team, fled the scene and held the Rev. Father hostage. The Operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.

“In a coordinated hot chase by the Operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the State were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the Priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.

“The Joint Security Team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.

“Further developments would be communicated.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli