Palpable confusion and apprehension reigned in Saint Mulumba’s Catholic Parish, Owerri, following the kidnapping of three girls that attended the 7am mass in the church on sunday.
The abducted children are; six-month old Munachi Ikwuazu, her two-and-a- half year old elder sister, Ugonma Ikwuazu, as well as two-and-a- half year old Uchechi Ukwuoma.
Concerted efforts made by Vanguard to talk with the parents of the three children proved abortive as they were completely short of words on what to say about the incident.
While the father of Munachi and Ugonma, Mr. Remigius Ikwuazu only managed to say that they are from Umuhu, Enyiogugu, Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State,Uchechi’s father, Mr. Nnaemeka Ukwuoma said he is from Umuoma, Nekede, Owerri West local council area of the state.
Confirming the ugly development, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Justin Okoro, wondered why anybody would want to perpetrate such a dastardly act on innocent lads that came to worship their God.
“These abducted innocent lads were on their way home after the children’s mass when the ugly incident took place. I am completely devastated but the situation is obviously worse for the children’s parents”, Rev. Fr. Okoro said.
Answering a question, Okoro confirmed that he had reported the matter to his Local Ordinary, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, and the security agencies.
Narrating the story of how her sisters were abducted, 10-year old Chinaza Ikwuazu said “a lady confused us, took us in a Keke NAPEP to the Old Market, made a few calls and told the receiver to hurry to where we were, adding that she had some children with her”.
She pleaded with the people holding her sisters to please allow them to re-unite with the family, adding that “God will bless them if they do this for us”.