Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has reacted to the kidnapping of the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri archdiocese in Imo State, Bishop Chikwe Moses.
Suspected gunmen had reportedly abducted the catholic Bishop on Monday. It was learnt that the Bishop was whisked away while coming out from his Owerri residence.
In a statement signed by Barrister Emeka Nwala of office of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Kalu frowned at the abduction and urged the security agencies to be swift in securing the release of the auxiliary bishop.
The Chief Whip also threatened to boycott the South East All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting expected to hold on December 30, at Owerri, capital of Imo State if the Bishop’s freedom is not secured.
He called on security agencies to rise to the occasion, pointing out that they have a constitutional duty to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens including that of the kidnapped Bishop.
According to Kalu, All security agencies should immediately wade into uncommon actions to arrest this big threat to the lives of Nigerians. Bishop Moses doesn’t deserve such a thing.
The government of Imo state should also put all measures to arrest this bad situation and secure the release of the Bishop. It is unfair, wicked and irresponsible to keep on putting fears on the lives of Nigerians especially the latest style of kidnapping clergies.
“We have South East All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting on the 30th and if the Bishop’s freedom is not secured, I will be boycotting the meeting.” the former Governor said.
Meanwhile, the archdiocese of Owerri has confirmed the abduction, according to a release from the secretariat “your eminences, your graces, your lordships, it is sad to announce to you that our Auxiliary Bishop, Chikwe Moses, has been kidnapped.
“There has not been any form of communication from the kidnappers since his kidnap on Monday. Trusting in the maternal assistance of the blessed Virgin Mary, we pray for safety and quick release,” it concluded.
Bishop Chikwe Moses will soon be taking over from Archbishop A. J. V Obinna who has retired.
The Imo State police spokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu, who confirmed the incident, said the command had swung into action to fish out the kidnappers of the Bishop.
