A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, has been rescued by a joint security team after being abducted by gunmen at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.

Rev. Echezona, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ichida, and the Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Awka Diocese, was kidnapped on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, while refueling his vehicle.

According to a statement from the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the assailants, who operated in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number, abducted the priest in his own Toyota Highlander. However, security operatives swiftly engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their vehicle.

“In the early hours of March 23, 2025, a joint security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes successfully secured the release of Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. He was returned unharmed,” the statement read.

Following a coordinated pursuit and heightened security alerts at various checkpoints, the criminals, unable to escape with their captive, abandoned him in Ihiala before fleeing into a nearby forest. The security forces have since taken control of the area, with efforts underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the priest’s stolen Toyota Highlander.

Authorities have assured the public of ongoing investigations and further updates as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.