The Catholic priest, Very Rev. Father Jude Onyebadi, who was whisked to yet to be determined destination, marks his birthday today Monday 28th September 2020, in his kidnappers den.
The hoodlums struck on Saturday 26th September 2020, while he was working on his Pineapple farm in Issele-Uku, Aniocha north local government area of Delta State.
As at Sunday 27th September 2020, the his abductors were yet to make contact with the family members or the church to make any demands.
But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, who confirmed the kidnap assured that the police would do all within their reach to release him unhurt.
Celebrating his birthday on his behalf, the immediate past Vice President and a candidate for the office of the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, forthcoming election, Comrade Deacon Patrick Nweike Ochei, vowed to always celebrate the Catholic priest.
“Friends, please join me to celebrate the man I can boldly call father; lovely, fatherly, caring, passionate for growth, supportive and God fearing in actions and deeds”, Comrade Ochei, said.
According to Deacon Ochei, “Father Jude took to farming when his personal capacity as a priest could no longer cater for the multitude of persons daily seeking his assistance. And over the years he had sustained a relationship of help and care to widows and the less privileged both within the church and outside.
“Unfortunately, the monsters, bandits and marauding herders created by Nigeria wouldn’t allow him freely do this God given assignment of helping the needy”, the Secretaryship candidate hinted.
He vowed he would continue to celebrate the kidnapped Priest, whom he described as a “. Champion”.
Hear him: “I will keep celebrating you my champion. Wherever u are with ur captors, I know by my faith in God that u had already been set free. U are a nice man in all ramifications. You are an employer of labour, u don’t segregate; those who work for you come from all parts of Nigeria and even beyond. Yet you get them engaged to work for you on compassion and with the intention of putting food on their tables.
“As we celebrate ur birthday anniversary today Padre, so shall we celebrate ur freedom in Jesus name. I ask that the Lord you serve sends Guardian Angels to continually guide, guard and protect you; keep you in good health and unhurt in Jesus name.
“Happy Birthday my father”, Ochei said.
Also, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), in the State Ministry of Information, Pastor Ugbaja Samuel, said: “Let God arise and His enemies be scattered. The camp of the enemy is already in disarray. Happy birthday to him”.
Another fan, Ogodinna Azomani, prayed thus: “Rev.Father Jude God will always guide and protect you in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ.Happy birthday”.
Similarly, the immediate past Assistant Secretary of NUJ, Comrade Afokobah Celestine, said: “May every plot of the enemy concerned you scatter today in Jesus name, Amen. Happy birthday to you while we await your release from the hands of captive”.
In same vein, one of the Editors of the state own print media, The Pointer Newspaper, Comrade Patrick Nwanze, hinted: “I join in celebrating u today. We’ll also celebrate ur safe return soon. Happy birthday and may the Angels guard u, as always, IJN, Amen”.
In another development, one of the Father’s fans, Fidel Nwaojei, said: “Happy birthday Fr. Jude God is with you. You will always overcome. Congratulations as you celebrate another year in the Lord”.
Also, Joachim Nwaobi, “Happy birthday Padre. God will set You free, AMEN”.
Mr. Uchechukwu Michael Nmoanuasia, said: “Happy birthday Padre Onyebadi. The Lord God almighty will sure perfect all that concerns you and the machinations of the wicked upon your life be met with huge failure. God bless you Padre”.
