By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Uche has said that the Church paid N100 million ransom to free him from his abductors.
The Clergyman told journalists during a press conference in Lagos that the money was taken to the abductors in five bags containing N20 million each.
The Prelate, and two others were abducted at Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Sunday.
The others who were kidnapped with him were Arch bishop of Owerri, Dennis Mark, and the prelate’s Chaplain.
Following the incident, the Methodist Church members coughed out N100 million Naira to pay the kidnappers of the Prelate and two other clergy men.
The Secretary of Conference of Methodist Church of Nigeria, MCN, Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Michael Akinwale confirmed the kidnappers demand for N100 million ransom in a statement on Monday.
Investigation further revealed that the church leadership took a decision to pay the ransom in fear of losing the life of the prelate and the two other clergymen.
A highly placed member of the Church who confided in our reporter said the Prelate is expected to retire in November after committing his entire life into the ministry.
The source said that it was the dominant sentiment in the church that it would not be right and indeed moral to subject the life of the aged head of the Methodist Church to avoidable danger six months to his retirement.
The source said that the N100 million was paid for the release of all the three clergy men who were abducted.
