A Catholic bishop in Nigeria, Moses Chikwe who was kidnapped on Sunday, has been released unharmed, according to the Archdiocese of Owerri.
Bishop Chikwe was said to have been kidnapped on December 27, alongside his driver, at a location not far from his residence in Owerri, the Imo capital.
His kidnap drew condemnation from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described it as the height of wickedness.
Pope Francis had also called for the Bishop’s release in his new year message
Confirming the release to newsmen, spokesman of the police in Imo, Orlando Ikeokwu, said the rescue was sequel to a sting operation by men of the Imo State Police Command.
Also confirming the release of the Bishop, the archdiocese said the bishop and his driver had been rescued alive.
“The Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, with his driver, Mr. Ndubuisi Robert, has been released from their abductors unhurt and without ransom. More details to come. To GOD be the glory,” a post on the Facebook page of the archdiocese reads.
