Kidnapped Umuahia Catholic priest, Mark Chimezie Godfrey released after 10 days

Rev. Fr. Mark Chimezie Godfrey, a Catholic priest who was abducted by gunmen in Umuahia, Abia State, has regained his freedom after 10 days in captivity, TopNaija can confirm.

Fr Chimezie, a native of Enugu State, was ordained a priest early this year, was abducted at St Theresa’s Parish, along Enyiukwu Road, Ohokobe Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area on October 13.

The Catholic Diocese of Umuahia announced the release of the priest in a statement on Saturday, October 23.

The statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said Rev Fr Chimezie was released unhurt.

Bishop Ugorji also expressed his deep gratitude to all bishops, priests, consecrated men and women as well as all Christian faithful who assisted in prayers during the difficult and trying period the priest was in captivity.

The statement did not reveal if any ransom was paid before the priest regained his freedom.

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church and the largest religious denomination, with approximately 1.3 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2019.