A joint security team of police, military, NSCDC and Vigilantes rescued a Catholic priest. Stephen Echezona was kidnapped by a gunman at a gas station in the Anaocha local government area.
Pastor Echezona is a parish priest at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ichida and Catholic Charming Pastor Awka Parish were kidnapped on Saturday night, March 22, 2025 when he was kidnapped while purchasing fuel at the station.
Spr. Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for Anambra State Police Commander, revealed this in a statement on Sunday, March 23, saying the alleged kidnappers operated in a white Lexus SUV without plates, after exchanging guns, kidnapped his vehicle after exchanging guns, and they kidnapped his vehicle in his own vehicle.
In the early morning of March 23, 2025, a joint security team composed of police, military, civil defense, AVG Ichida and Ihiala respectively ensured the release of Rev. Stephen Echizona, Father Ishiyala.
“The victim was kidnapped at a gas station in Ichida, and in the subsequent gun duel, armed criminals carried out a common security force in a white Lexus SUV without plate numbers.
“The attackers gave up on the White Lexus and fled the scene due to the excellent firepower of the Joint Security Team, fled the scene and kidnapped his father’s hostage.
“In the coordinated hot chase of operators, different security checkpoints and security agents in the state were warned, which led the criminals to abandon the priest in Ihiala and escape the nearby bushes.
