Catholic church rejects ransom bid to free priest

• Holds special mass for release

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, has said it will not pay ransom to abductors of the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adorolo.

The church, however, confirmed Rev. Fr. Adorolo was kidnapped along Auchi-Okpella Highway, on Wednesday evening, by unknown gunmen.

Dunia disclosed these at a press conference in Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, yesterday.

“Adorolo was on his way back from Auchi to his parish, St. Benedict Catholic Church, Okpella, when he was abducted by gunmen at a bad spot near Okpella at about 6.00pm on Wednesday evening.

“The abductors have made contact with the church for ransom. The church does not pay ransom as it is not a profit-making organisation,” said Dunia.

Th cleric has called on security agencies to help free Adorolo.

“The diocese is calling for unconditional release of the priest. We are holding a mass for the unconditional release of the priest,” he added.