By Chizoba Njaka
In a daring operation, a Joint Security team comprising the Anambra State Police Command, the Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups (AVG) from Ichida and Ihiala have successfully secured the release of a Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
A press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the rescue of the victim, disclosing that the abduction occurred at a fuel station in Ichida where the joint security force engaged in a fierce gun battle with the armed criminals, who were operating in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number.
According to Ikenga, “the perpetrators abandoned the unregistered white Lexus SUV and, in a bid to evade capture due to the overwhelming firepower of the joint security operatives, took Reverend Father Echezona hostage in a desperate attempt to facilitate their escape.The Operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.
“In a coordinated hot chase by the operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the state were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the Priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.
“The Joint Security Team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.”
* Njaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
