Unknown gunmen has kidnapped the Vicar of St. Jude’s Anglican Church Odiemerenyi in Ahoada Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rev. Canon Bernard Hanson in the late hours on Wednesday at Umuapu-East/West Road, Imo State.
An I-Witness, Rev. Canon Umegbewe Eugene Jerome who explained the incident to us said, God will save his servant Rev. Canon Hanson Bernard has been kidnapped at Umuapu by unknown gunmen.
“I was in the same bus with him but i was seated at last back seat while he sat on the seat that is behind the driver. Our vehicle from Nsukka where we went for clearances broke down twice before we got to Owerri. So, we arrived late at control.
The ill-fated bus was loading to PH not knowing that one of the passengers had a knife on him. At Umuapu, Imo state, one of the passengers says that he wants to drop. When he alighted from the vehicle, he ran to the driver, pulled out the knife and slapped him. Two other armed guys joined him from across the road. another joined from the bus stop & ordered all of us to come out of the bus and lie down.
“I hesitated and pretended to be startled. We started hearing gunshots. Our driver was shot and wounded but it was not fatal. Actually, some other unknown folks were shooting at the hoodlums. Another motor vehicle approached the scene fearlessly. It seems this compelled them to stop the robbery. They picked two ladies and a male and crossed the road. Immediately, as they turned away to contemplate on what to do next, I quietly got up and ran away to a set of buildings that could provide cover of darkness. I lost my small phone that has my regularly MTN number (08060235631) in the process.
“I crossed several compounds and hid. others followed. when we reconvened, my brother, friend and companion was no longer among us. It was fellow passengers who informed me that he has been abducted. It is traumatic to realize that he is not here with me.
What will i tell the wife?
How will i explain?
I made it to St. James (Anglican) Church, big elele and informed some persons with the pastor’s number. I’m passing the night there. I can only communicate now by whatsapp.
Please, Pray for him and for me: Rev. Canon Umegbewe Eugene Jerome
