A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Gerald Ohaeri, has been kidnapped while traveling along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Nsukka expressway in Enugu State. The incident occurred on Saturday when Fr. Ohaeri, who serves at Isienu Nsukka Parish, was returning from a function in Enugu.
As of Tuesday evening, Fr. Ohaeri remains in captivity, and efforts are underway to locate him. The Enugu State Police Command has been informed of the incident, but the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, was unreachable for comment.
The kidnapping of Fr. Ohaeri has heightened concerns about the growing insecurity along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Nsukka expressway. Despite the presence of multiple police and military checkpoints along the road, motorists and residents of the area have been subjected to frequent kidnappings and armed robberies.
The Enugu State government has recently intensified its efforts to crack down on criminal elements, including the demolition of properties used to keep hostages. However, most kidnapped victims are reportedly taken to neighboring states, such as Benue and Kogi.
