Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, Rivers State, along with two others, has been freed after being abducted by gunmen four days ago.
The victims were kidnapped last Wednesday along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwerre Local Government Area while returning from a hospital visit.
The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt had earlier issued a statement on behalf of Bishop Bernadine Anaele, calling for the unconditional release of Father Maurice. The plea was answered on Sunday when the victims were released following a coordinated security operation.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday. She revealed that the victims were freed at about 6:30 a.m. after sustained pressure from a combined security team comprising police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes.
“Please be informed that today, February 16, 2025, at about 06:30 hrs, information was received that the kidnapped victims, Rev. Father Livinus Maurice and others, have been released by their captors. Their release followed pressure from a combined security team comprising police officers, soldiers from the Joint Task Force in Isiokpo, and local vigilantes,” Iringe-Koko stated.
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She added that the victims have been reunited with their families and are receiving medical attention. “The victims have been reunited with their families for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits,” the statement read.
The release of Father Maurice and the two others has brought relief to the Isiokpo community and the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt. The abduction had sparked widespread concern, with many calling for urgent action to ensure the victims’ safe return.
The successful operation highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local vigilantes in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
While the victims have been freed, the police have vowed to continue their manhunt for the kidnappers. “Efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits,” Iringe-Koko reiterated, emphasizing the commitment of the security forces to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent security challenges in parts of Rivers State and the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
