By Karen James
Ihiala, March 23, 2025 — In the early hours of today, a joint security team successfully rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who had been abducted at a fuel station in Ichida.
The rescue operation was carried out by a combined force comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala. The priest was safely returned without injury.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State Command, the incident unfolded when armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV (without a license plate) attacked the fuel station and abducted Rev. Father Echezona.
During an ensuing gun battle with the joint security team, the assailants abandoned the Lexus SUV and attempted to escape with the priest. Security operatives swiftly initiated a coordinated chase, alerting multiple checkpoints and security units across the state.
Under pressure from the superior firepower of the security team, the criminals eventually released the priest unharmed at Ihiala before fleeing into a nearby bush.
The joint security team has since taken control of the area, continuing their efforts to track down the suspects and recover the Rev. Father’s Toyota Highlander, which remains missing.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga assured the public that further updates on the investigation and security measures would be communicated in due course.
