A priest of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Stanislaus Mbamara, has been kidnapped by Gunmen operating in Anambra State.

The young priest was kidnapped on Friday evening while driving from Awka, the state capital, to Nnewi, where he serves.

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi disclosed the development in a statement where it called for prayers for the priest, expressing hope that he would come out safe.

The statement signed by the Chancellor, Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, said the priest was also a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which meant he was probably returning to Nnewi after the week’s lecture.

Ezeogu said: “Our priest, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Mbamara, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was kidnapped yesterday (Friday) evening, on his way from Awka to Nnewi.“Let’s storm heaven with humble and insistent prayers for his quick release in sound health of mind and body. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Help of Christians, pray with and for us.”

No mention was made by the diocese of having been contacted by the kidnappers, nor were details of his abduction made known.

The Anambra State Police Command had yet to react to the kidnapping of the priest at the time of filing this report.