In a successful operation, a Joint Security Team comprising the police, military, civil defence, and local vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, 2025. The priest, who was abducted by armed criminals, was found unharmed after a coordinated rescue effort.
According to a statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, Rev. Father Echezona was kidnapped at a fuel station in Ichida by armed men driving a white Lexus SUV without a license plate. A gunfight erupted between the assailants and the joint security forces, forcing the criminals to abandon their vehicle. However, they fled the scene with the priest as their hostage.
The security team launched a hot pursuit, alerting checkpoints and operatives across the state. The pressure from the coordinated response led the kidnappers to abandon Rev. Father Echezona in Ihiala before escaping into a nearby bush. The priest was rescued unharmed, and the abandoned Lexus SUV was recovered by the security forces.
SP Ikenga confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the Toyota Highlander belonging to Rev. Father Echezona. “The situation is under control, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” he stated.
The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security agencies and local vigilante groups in combating crime in Anambra State. It also underscores the growing threat of kidnapping in the region, which has seen a rise in criminal activities targeting both individuals and communities.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such abductions. The Anambra State Police Command has assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, with ongoing operations aimed at apprehending the suspects and dismantling criminal networks.
The rescue of Rev. Father Echezona is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the security forces involved. However, it also serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by armed criminal groups in the region. As investigations continue, there is a pressing need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and strengthen community-based security initiatives.
The Anambra State government and security agencies have been urged to intensify their efforts to protect lives and property, particularly in vulnerable areas. The incident has also sparked calls for greater collaboration between security forces and local communities to enhance intelligence gathering and prevent future kidnappings.
As the state grapples with the growing menace of kidnapping, the successful rescue of Rev. Father Echezona offers a glimmer of hope and reinforces the importance of unity and vigilance in the fight against crime. The public has been encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to ensure a safer and more secure environment for all.
