The Anambra State Police Command, assisted by other security agencies, have rescued the two Catholic priests who were on Christmas eve abducted by unknown gunmen at Anam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, the rescue was effected on December 27, 2018, and was made possible by a joint operation between the police and sister agencies in the state.

The teams comprised of FSARS, PMF, Counter-terrorism and Special Anti-Cult units in conjunction with sister agencies and the vigilante group.

The victims, Rev Fr Peter Nwachukwu, Parish Priest of St Theresa’s Parish, Umueze-Anam, and Rev Fr Cajetan Apeh, the Assistant Priest, who are in stable condition, have since reunited with their religious congregation.

The statement reads in part: “Since the incident took place and with the aid of modern technology and aerial surveillance due to difficult terrain, the abductors were forced to abandon their victims at about 6:45pm of 27/12/2018.

“It is worthy to note that the safety of the victims is the ultimate priority of the Police in this situation. Consequently, effort is being intensified to apprehend perpetrators of this heinous crime in order to bring them to Justice.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Garba Baba Umar hereby reassures Ndi Anambra of their safety during the yuletide period and beyond.

“The CP further warns all criminal elements that Anambra is not a place to operate as they will surely meet their Waterloo and be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.”