The Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Tonye Cole, has condemned the reported kidnap of the Bishop of the Ahoada Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Clement Ekpeye.

His campaign group, the Tonye Cole Campaign Organization (TCCO) recalled that Bishop Ekpeye was reportedly kidnapped Tuesday December 18, 2018 in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state by some unknown persons.

In a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke, on Wednesday, the TCCO said it had "learnt that the priest was taken from his residence, beaten and forced into his car by the hoodlums who took him to an unknown destination.

"We recall that the gentle and respectable priest whose whereabouts was yet unknown was the clergyman who received, and prayed with Pastor Tonye Patrick Cole, flag bearer of the APC when he visited the area. We have also learnt that since Pastor Cole visited the area, the Priest has received threats from persons at large, claiming to act for, and on behalf of Governor (Nyesom) Wike and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

The statement reads: “While we join all well-meaning Christians and others to pray for the safety and immediate return of Bishop Ekpeye to his loved ones and the Church, we urge the Rivers State Police Command and other security agencies to do the best that they can to rescue him.

“We are however, disturbed that under the watch of this government, kidnapping has degenerated so low that a Man of God who has dedicated his life to the service of mankind can be so brutally assaulted by thugs acting on the orders of their godfathers. The present day Rivers state continues to bring untold hardship on the people of Rivers State. Despite efforts by security agencies to keep the State safe, highly unsavoury elements disguised as leaders have persisted in their quest to create fear and insecurity.

“Our people are not game to be hunted down and killed neither are they slaves to be sold or exchanged for ransom. Jobs and prosperity cannot be built on the foundations of insecurity. Accordingly, we are urging all men and women of goodwill to rise up against this terror in Rivers State. Enough of this malaise, enough of this continuity. Bring us men of peace.”