The Ebonyi State Police Command has rescued a Methodist Church minister who was abducted by armed men in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
The cleric, identified as Rev. Ede Sunday, was reportedly abducted outside his church premises late on September 9, 2026, but was rescued after police tactical operatives launched a pursuit of the suspected kidnappers.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of the victim’s vehicle, while a separate police operation in Abakaliki led to the arrest of a suspected cult member and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.
The developments were disclosed by the Ebonyi State Police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the police, officers received a distress call at about 11:55 p.m. on September 9, reporting that Rev. Ede Sunday had been abducted in Ndulo Amofia, Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The cleric, who serves with the Methodist Church in the area, was allegedly attacked directly in front of the church premises.
Police said two armed men reportedly blocked his vehicle, forced him out at gunpoint and escaped with him on a motorcycle.
Following the distress call, the command said its tactical operatives were immediately mobilised to locate the abductors and rescue their victim.
The police pursuit eventually led operatives towards a suspected criminal hideout near St. James Secondary School in Amofia.
As the officers approached, the suspected kidnappers reportedly abandoned the cleric and fled into the surrounding bush.
Rev. Ede Sunday was subsequently rescued unharmed, while his vehicle was also recovered.
Police said the cleric has since been reunited with his family as security personnel continue efforts to locate the fleeing suspects.
The Ebonyi Police Command also reported a separate operation carried out on September 7 following intelligence about a suspected cult gathering in the Kpirikpiri area of Mile 50, Abakaliki.
Operatives reportedly stormed the area around a bakery where the suspected cultists were gathered.
The arrival of the police team caused several of the suspects to flee, but one man, identified as Oshim Chisom, was arrested.
During a search of the area, police said officers recovered a bag allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Inside the bag was a locally fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with a live 9mm round.
A mobile phone allegedly stolen during a robbery earlier that night was also recovered.
The police said the arrested suspect is assisting investigators as they work to uncover the wider network allegedly connected to the activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the officers involved in the operations for their swift response and tactical coordination.
Okafor reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
“We maintain an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of every resident in Ebonyi State,” the commissioner said.
He warned criminals that the command would continue to pursue them and urged residents to remain vigilant.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could help security agencies prevent crimes and apprehend suspects.
The command said the manhunt for the fleeing abductors and other suspects remains ongoing.
