Police arrests kidnapper of Plateau Catholic priests in Ogun

The Ogun State command of the Nigeria Police has confirmed the apprehension of suspected kidnapper, Christopher Yaro, allegedly involved in the abduction of two Catholic priests for ransom in Pankshin, Plateau State, on February 1, 2024.

The command's spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, informed journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, that the suspect was nabbed on Monday by police operatives in Ago-Iwoye, within Ijebu North local government.

Recall that Rev. Fr. Kenneth Kanwa and Rev. Fr. Jude Nwachukwu were reportedly taken from St. Vincent de Paul Fier Parish in the Diocese of Pankshin, Plateau State.

The purported abductors later revealed to be parish members, allegedly demanded N25m ransom from the families and church community for the release of the priests.

A week after the abduction, the Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Polycarp Lubo, confirmed the priests' release.

Regarding the arrest, Odutola clarified that the suspect, Yaro, who is also affiliated with the church, claimed to have fled Pankshin out of fear of retaliation from the community upon discovery of his involvement in the abduction.

She stated, "At approximately 4:25 pm on Monday, we received intelligence that a kidnapping suspect, Christopher Yaro, had fled to Ijebu-Ode after allegedly conspiring with another church member and five accomplices to abduct the two priests in the Pankshin area of Plateau State.

"The suspects were armed with four K.2 rifles during the incident. Yaro has been apprehended. Further updates will be provided to the public upon the conclusion of the investigation."