Some gunmen have kidnapped a Roman Catholic priest of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, in Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Father Felix Akpan.
According to Punch, Akpan, who is in-charge of St. Michael De Archangel parish at Ikot Etim in the Ukanafun Local Government Area, was abducted by yet-to-be identified gunmen along Abak-Ukanafun Road.
The priest was also said to be a teacher at Top Faith International School, Mkpatak in the Essien Udim LGA.
He was said to have been kidnapped by the hoodlums when he was returning from the school.
A resident, who witnessed the abduction, said, �The hoodlums blocked him on his way back from the school at Mkpatak, in the Essien Udim LGA, along Abak-Ukanafun Road. He was returning to his Parish in Ikot Etim.
�They forced him out of his SUV at gunpoint and bundled him into their car and sped off.�
Speaking to our correspondent, Akpan�s fellow priest, who did not want his name in print, stated that the kidnappers had yet to establish contact with the church.
He said, �However, the church has been praying for the priest�s safe release.�
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Donald Awunah, who confirmed the incident, said a team of police detectives has been deployed in the area of abduction to ensure that the priest was freed unharmed.
He said the priest�s SUV had been recovered at a mechanic workshop, adding that some suspects, who were found with the vehicle, had been arrested.
He stated that the suspects were aiding the police in their investigation.
�We are closing in on the gang. We have recovered the priest�s car in a mechanic workshop and arrested some suspects. The suspects are helping us in our investigation.
�The Nigeria Police Force will remain cautious with the investigation to ensure that the priest regains his freedom without any harm,� he said.
The CP appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police by volunteering useful information on criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.