The abductors of the Prelate of Methodist Church, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu-Uche, and two other clerics, have demanded a sum N100 million as ransom. This is coming barely 24 hours after unknown gunmen abduct him on Sunday, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The Methodist Church in Nigeria has expressed sadness over the abduction of the Pilate, describing it as sacrilegious and a national embarrassment. Notable Nigerians have also condemn in its entirety the shocking act. The Secretary of the Conference, the Rt. Revd. Michael Akinwale confirmed the demand in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
He appealed to all parishioners to rise up and help in raising the N100million ransom.
The secretary released the account particulars as follows: “Name: Methodist Church Nigeria. Account Number: 2000041229. Bank: First Bank.”
The statement reads in part:
“The devastating news of the abduction of our Prelate, the Bishop of Owerri, and the Prelate’s Chaplain has left everybody in shock.
“This is a period of trial in which the Church must cry out that ‘The Lord that answereth by Fire’ must be our God to destroy all the manipulations of the adversary.
“Let us all arise and cry out to the Lord!
“As we engage in Prayer Warfare, this serves to notify you that the abductors have demanded a ransom of N100m.
“In view of the urgency and the dire need to arrest the situation for the safety of our Prelate and other abductees, it has become imperative to seek your URGENT RESPONSE to raise the N100m ransom.
“The safety of the Prelate and other abductees must be of paramount concern to all, and your contributions spiritually and monetarily shall not go unrewarded.”