Victor Ezeja
A priest of the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was kidnapped on 15 May 2024 along Nkpor-Obosi axis has regained freedom.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Friday, signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
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According to Aburime, Fr. Gbuzuo’s regained his freedom through concerted efforts of the joint security task team of Anambra State Government and well meaning citizens of the state.
The statement said the state government will continue to work hard in ensuring that anyone held captive is released unconditionally without being hurt.
The state government warned all criminals engaging in abduction and their sponsors that they will be adequately prosecuted whenever caught.
The statement read: “This is to inform the general public that Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was kidnapped on 15th May 2024 along Nkpor-Obosi axis has regained freedom, through the onerous efforts of the joint security task team of Anambra State Government and well-meaning citizens.
“The State Government will not rest on its oars, as we work to ensure that any person held in captivity is released unconditionally and unhurt.
“We also seize this opportunity to send a strong warning to all criminals, their collaborators and sponsors. The full weight of the law will be brought on all such persons who engage directly or indirectly in orchestrating criminal activities.
“However, note that the olive branch offer extended to criminal elements who operate in the mould of agitators is still open. They should avail themselves of avenues provided by the State for them to be trained, rehabilitated and integrated back into society.”
Aburime said Governor Soludo thanked all well-meaning people of the state for their “onerous effort to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable homeland.”
Fr. Gbuzuo, also known as ‘Man Pass Man’ was abducted on his way to his ministry in Nkpor
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
