No Archibishop Was Kidnapped In Abia, Police Confirm

The Abia State government and police have stated unequivocally that there was no kidnapping involving an archbishop or any other clergy member.

They did, however, urge the general public to disregard a false online report claiming that on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, gunmen kidnapped an Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim, in Abia State.

“This is an outright lie, as the police in Abia State have since confirmed that no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.”

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, some online reports on Saturday quoted Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star as saying that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests from the religious group were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.

However, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, confirmed that no such incident occurred in Abia. He said he had spoken with Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied that the incident occurred in Abia.

In an interview with the CP, Onuoha confirmed that the kidnapping occurred in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday, while the Archbishop, his family members, and three other priests were on their way back to Abia State from Anambra.

CP Onwuemelie advised the media, especially bloggers and online reporters, to double-check their facts before posting.

The Commissioner of Police urged the general public to go about their business fearlessly because Abia is safe, emphasising the state’s police and other security agencies’ readiness to deal with any act of criminality.