Unknown Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest in Ekiti

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Olubunmi Olofinlade, in itaji-Ekiti – Ijelu-Ekiti Ekiti road of Ekiti State.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening at around 6 pm.

Fr Olatinlade is the Parish Priest of St George Catholic Church, Omu Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State.

Fr Olofinlade went for a pastoral assignment outside the parish and was attacked in his vehicle while on his way back to the Parish.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Fermi Ajakaye, has confirmed the incident.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Catholic Diocese Director of Social Communications in the state, Rev. Fr Anthony Ijasan and made available to newsmen

The statement reads: “I am directed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Fermi Ajakaye, to communicate to you the unpleasant news of the abduction of Rev. Fr. Michael Olubunmi Olofinlade.

“Rev. Fr Michael Olubunimi Olofinlade, a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, was abducted yesterday, Saturday, 14 January 2023.

“Fr Olatinlade is the Parish Priest of St George Catholic Church, Omu Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State.

 Fr Olofinlade went for a pastoral assignment outside the parish. His abduction happened while he was on his way back to the Parish at about 6.00 pm.”

The priest was reportedly abducted between itaji-Ekiti and Ijelu-Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area, about 4 km to his parish headquarters.”

According to the statement, his abductors are yet to make contact with the Bishop or any other person in the diocese.

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