A Joint Security Team comprising the police, military, civil defence, and local vigilante groups successfully rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, 2025. The priest, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, was found unharmed after being held hostage by armed criminals.
How the Rescue Happened
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, Rev. Father Echezona was kidnapped by armed men driving a white Lexus SUV without a license plate.
A gunfight broke out between the kidnappers and security forces, forcing the criminals to abandon the Lexus and flee with the priest.
- Security operatives across the state were alerted, leading to a coordinated hot pursuit.
- The intense pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the priest at Ihiala before escaping into a nearby bush.
- The abandoned Lexus SUV was recovered, and security forces secured the area.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively working to:
– Track down the fleeing suspects
– Recover Rev. Father Echezona’s Toyota Highlander
– Ensure the safety of residents in the area
SP Ikenga assured the public that “the situation is under control, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
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