Kattey: Police Debunk N10m Ransom Demand

Amidst rumours that kidnappers of Archbishop Ignatius Kattey are demanding for a N10million ransom for his release, the Rivers State police command says it is unaware of the purported demand.
The command’s spokesperson, Mrs Angela Agabe, who denied the rumour in a telephone interview with The Tide in  Port Harcourt  yesterday also said that no contact had been established with the kidnappers.
She said that men of the command were combing every nooks and crannies of the state in search of the kidnapped Bishop, adding that for now, no communication with the kidnappers has been made.
In her word, “our men are just coming  out from the mangrove but no contact yet”, she said.
Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North was kidnapped last Friday along the  Aleto bridge on the East-West Road in Eleme Local Government Area, and taken to unknown destination.
Meanwhile, the Diocesan Men’s Christian Association, Diocese of Niger Delta North says divine intervention is the only solution for the present circumstances.
In a prayer session to invoke divine intervention on the issue yesterday, the association wondered why unknown gunmen would lay their hands on a man of God.
The association’s chaplain, Rev Joshua Daminabo, the President of the association, Sir Chuks Boms and Acting Secretary, Mr Sampson Akani, who led the prayer sessions, reminded the abductors that their act was against God and His church.
They also reminded the abductors that no gate of wickedness or criminality could prevail against the church of God and Christian believers.
While describing the incident as unfortunate and insult to  God, the association appealed to all and sundry to remain prayerful for the safety and unconditional release of Kattey.
The men also prayed for the peace of the state and the nation as a whole even as they enjoined perpetrators of criminality to repent and seek the face of God.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism, and called on all faithfuls in the country to be prayerful.
Jonathan, who made the call in a Standing Committee Meeting organised by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Yenagoa described terrorism as a challenge to nation building.
“We will win the war against terrorism; Nigeria is a loving country and no religion in the country preaches destruction of life and property.
“My administration will continue to secure citizens’ life and ensure that crime is curtailed,” Jonathan said.
In his address, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, said the programme in the state was a welcome development, and solicited for prayers for the country.
“I thank Nigerians for their prayers and support to government, I urge you to keep faith and contribute your quota in the transformation of the country.
“I must say that Bayelsa is a home for all, secure and safe; I urge all citizens in the country to embrace peace and love,” Dickson said.
In his remark, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, commended the president, saying that the church would continue to support the government.
Okoh said that the programme, which was tagged: “Put on the Whole Amour of God’’, was to strengthen the faith of Nigerians.
“We should put on the amour of God because His amour will always stand for us against every evil machination of the enemy,” Okoh said.