Some men who appeared in military uniform have stormed the Holy Spirit Parish, Abuochiche in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State, arresting the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Titus Armon, at about 6pm on Thursday.
Eye witness accounts by parishioners who attended Evening Mass at the church said “Father Armon was picked up right in the church premises just as he finished the evening mass and was greeting parishioners”.
The parishioners also alleged that men in military uniform were dispatched from Calabar, the state capita.
According to one of the parishioners, Father Armon was arrested in place of his twin brother, also a priest who serves in Anambra State.
“His twin brother has been recently highly critical of Governor Ben Ayade.
“Father Armon, the one at Anambra had written a very critical fact check on the tenure of Gov Ayade!”
Speaking with newsmen, one of the elders in the Church said efforts were under way by the Catholic Hierarchy lawyers from Joe Agi SAN Chambers to trace the arrested priest and effect his release.
“We look forward to his release and more details on why he was arrested and who instigated his arrest as the day goes by,” he said.
Parishioners at SS Peter and Paul are said to be restive and are wondering why a priest would be arrested and from within the premises of the church too.
It was gathered that community leaders were working hard to placate worshippers so as to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
