By Eric Moore
THE Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the release of a Catholic priest and two others, who were kidnapped by gunmen last week.
The cleric, Rev. Fr. Maurice Livinus and two others were abducted by suspected kidnappers along Elele-Isiokpo road, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state LGA on February 12, 2025.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), while giving update on the matter, said on February 16, 2025, at about 6:30 am, the command received information that the Catholic priest and two others have been freed.
She said the victims were released by their captors after pressure from the combined efforts of security operatives comprising policemen, soldiers from the Joint Task Force (JTF), Isiokpo, and the local vigilance group.
The PPRO added that the victims have reunited with their relatives for medical treatment, adding that the command intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
Iringe-Koko stated: “Please be informed that today, 16th February 2022, at about 0630 hrs, information was received that the kidnapped victims, Rev. Maurice Livinus and others, have been released by their captors after pressure from the combined efforts of the security team comprising policemen, soldiers from the JTF Isiokpo, and the local vigilante.
“The victims have been reunited with their families for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits.