The Methodist Bishop of Nneochi Dioeces in Abia State, Ikemefuna Tasie has recalled how the former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Kanu- Uche and other priests were kidnapped and taken into the bush by bandits in 2022.
Bishop Tasie who spoke on Sunday during the 30th Anniversary of the Methodist Diocese of Nneochi, Umunnochi LGA, said that many people from the LGA fled their homes and those living in the cities refused to return home, because of fear.
He, however, said that the deadly security situation has been tackled by Governor Alex Otti, whose security strategies he said, checkmated the terrorist onslaughts of the bandits.
Bishop Tasie expressed optimism that some criminal elements who may still be hiding in the bushes would still be smoked out by the state government so that rural people would not be afraid of going to their farms.
“It was here that our former Prelate, His Eminence, Kanu Uche, the then Number One Methodist, was kidnapped for ransom but we thank the Governor for the steps he took against the bandits.”
He also appealed to the Abia State government to assist the Nneochi Dioeces in realising its water project, lamenting thatthe Bed Rock on Isuochi soils made it difficult for the rural people to dig boreholes or access clean water.
Bishop Tasie said if achieved, the water project would save people from consuming polluted water and also create employment for idle youths in the communities.
In his message at the event, Governor Alex Otti who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ukeje Ukpabi, said the ongoing clean water program would be executed in every nook and cranny of the state.
He further urged the leaders and members of the Nneochi Dioeces to be resolute in their service to God and humanity.
