By Gwurld4026 
Breaking News: Kidnapped Catholic Priest in Rivers Rescued and Freed
Rev. Father Livinus Maurice, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Isiokpo, Rivers State, has been released after being abducted four days ago. He and two others were kidnapped on February 12, 2025, along the Elele-Isiokpo road in Ikwerre Local Government Area while returning from a hospital visit.
Their release on February 16, 2025, was achieved through the combined efforts of the police, soldiers from the Joint Task Force in Isiokpo, and local vigilantes. The victims have been reunited with their families and are receiving medical attention. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the kidnappers.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where clergy members have been targeted in the past. For instance, in December 2020, Bishop Moses Chikwe of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri was kidnapped along with his driver and released after several days.
The Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt had earlier called for prayers and the unconditional release of Father Maurice and his companions.
