By Karen James
Police Demanded N1m for Logistics Before Rescuing Abducted Priest, Says Father Ebube Muonso
In a shocking revelation, the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Father Ebube Muonso, has condemned the state of security in Anambra, describing it as irretrievably broken.
Speaking to his congregation while presenting a kidnapped priest, identified as Rev. Fr. Nonso, who had been held captive for a week, Obimma narrated the ordeal. Father Nonso, abducted on December 17 shortly after returning from abroad, was rescued after what Obimma described as a challenging and costly effort involving personal funds and external intervention.
“For a week, Father Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers. The government could not do anything. I had to rely on my personal resources and external assistance to locate and rescue him,” Obimma said.
According to him, he sought help from a neighboring state, which used tracking technology to pinpoint the kidnappers’ location in the forest. However, upon relaying this critical information to the police in Anambra, their response was shocking.
“They asked me what I wanted them to do with the information. I told them to rescue our priest, but they said they don’t go into forests. I had to mobilize my security team and even volunteered to lead the operation. It was only when they saw I was serious that the police agreed to help, but only after demanding N1 million for logistics,” Obimma revealed.
The cleric criticized the state government for its lack of action, despite receiving substantial security votes. “This is a state where we have a governor who gets security funds, yet individuals are left to fund security operations. I even reached out to former Governor Willie Obiano to inquire about the trackers he bought during his tenure, and he confirmed they were still available. But it seems they are unused,” he added.
Father Nonso, visibly emotional, was presented to the congregation alongside a businessman who had been abducted by the same gang on the same day but from a different location. Both victims were released after the intervention.
Obimma lamented the kidnappers’ audacity, noting that they did not even bother to turn off the victim’s phone, knowing full well it could be tracked. “They are confident because they know there is no security in Anambra State. This situation is dire. Only God will protect us,” he said.
The revelation has raised questions about the state government’s capacity to address the rising insecurity in Anambra. Critics have pointed to the incident as evidence that residents are effectively left to fend for themselves.
As the state grapples with this growing crisis, the question remains: Is the government overwhelmed, or has it simply abdicated its responsibility to safeguard its citizens?
