Contrary to insinuations that the Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim was kidnapped in Abia is false.
The Abia Police Command says, nthe incident happened outside the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO ASP Maureen Chinaka on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwumelie, the command said, “The Abia State Police Command wishes to unequivocally refute misleading online reports alleging that gunmen on Wednesday, 01/05/2024, abducted an Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim, in Abia State.
“On Saturday 04/05/2024, some online reports had quoted one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, as having stated that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests of the religious group were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.
“Abia State Police Command has investigated the story, and contacted Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied stating that the incident occurred in Abia State. The Bishop confirmed that the kidnapping incident did not occur in Abia but rather in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie urges the media, bloggers, and online reporters to always crosscheck their facts by contacting the appropriate authorities before rushing to post”.
The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Abia State is safe for all and urges members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
