The Rivers state governor Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has urged Christian religious leaders in the state to pray for the unconditional release of the Anglican Bishop Rev Dr. Ignatus Kattey who was abducted by gunmen last week Friday night.
The governor who was represent by the secretary to government Mr George Feyii said this during a courtesy call to the family of the abducted bishop at Eleme local government area in Rivers state.
He said, his administration is doing everything humanly possible to ensure the unconditional release of Archbishop Kattey.
“This administration wants to assure you that it identifies with this family because the kidnap of the Archbishop is a very serious matter and it has compelled us to identify with the family, and right now, everything is on track to ensure that Kattey returns to continue his assignment with God.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, Amaechi urged the family of Bishop Kattey to remain strong in their prayer life and trust in the Lord for His intervention and release of the kidnapped Anglican Archbishop by unknown gunmen.
Governor Amaechi further appealed to the kidnappers of Bishop Kattey to urgently effect his release to enable him continue his ecclesiastical call to the service of God and humanity, which he stressed, is for the benefit of all Nigerians and betterment of society.
Responding, wife of the Archbishop, Mrs. Beatrice Ignatius Kattey while thanking Governor Amaechi for the visit prayed for God’s intervention and unconditional release of her husband by the kidnappers.
“My husband is a man of God that preaches peace, he believes in God and wherever he is, God is with him, we are sure he will be well, but he should be released”, Mrs Beatrice Kattey said.
Wife of the Anglican Bishop also expressed regrets over the security lapses in the state and called for serious concern and attention to avert future re-occurrences.
Also speaking, Chancellor of the Diocese of the North, Sir Emeka Ichioku in his vote of thanks expressed confidence that Archbishop Ignatius Kattey will return to his family hail and healthy.
Earlier, Chairman of Clergy Association of the Diocese of the Anglican Communion of Niger Delta North, Venerable Richard Okpara also offered prayers for the family of Archbishop Kattey and God’s intervention for his unconditional release.
