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After payment of ransom, the Anglican priest, Rev’d Anthony Oyi abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen in his farm along Issele-Uku-Issele-Mkpitime Road in Aniocha North Local Government area of Delta State has regained his freedom.

Rev’d Oyi who was kidnapped with members of his family on Saturday April 18th, 2020 regained his freedom today, Sunday April 19, 2020.

According to the Councilor representing Issele-Mpitime/Issele-Azagba at the Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ikenwa, Rev’d Oyi who is the Parish Priest of one of the Anglican Churches at Oko agbele in Oshimili North Local Government area of Delta State was released after meeting the conditions stipulated by the abductors.

Though the councilor who led the facilitation of the Priest’s freedom, confirmed that ransom was paid to set the man free; he however declined to disclose the amount paid, while appealing to the relevant authorities in the state as well as at the federal level to help in putting a stop to the nefarious activities of the criminals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen who, he noted, have crippled social and economic activities in Issele-Mkpitime and Issele-Azagba.

However it was later gathered that the sum of N600,000 was paid as ransom before Rev’d Anthony and another man abducted with him could be released.

The release of the Anglican Priest has been confirmed by the Delta State Police Command.

Confirming the release, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Delta State Police Command, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeye said Rev’d Oyi regained his freedom at about 6pm, pointing out that effort was still on by the Police Command in the State to track down the suspected criminal elements.