IVIUKWE is one of the communities in Agenebode clan, headquarters of the Wepa Wano Kingdom in Etsako East local government area of Edo State. An agrarian community, it was in a state of. shock, fasting and prayers when Sunday Vanguard visited on 31 August, following the kidnapping of their illustrious son, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
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Ozekhome was abducted by some gun men between Ehor and Ekpoma on Thursday, 29 August, on his way to his home town while four policemen from the Ehor Police Division on rescue mission lost their lives as they were ambushed by the kidnappers.
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The people wore forlorn looks, discussed in hush tones the fate of the fire brand human rights activist and Lagos based legal practitioner.
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The kidnap saga brought the different religious groups in Iviukwe together as they embarked on fasting and prayers, appealing to God to touch the hearts of the abductors to release him unhurt and unconditionally. Places of worshipping in the town were jam-packed during the prayer sessions.
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St. Mary Catholic Church and Pentecostal churches in the community, among others, hosted the prayer sessions.
Prayers are very much important in times like this so they should thank their stars for seeing the answer to their own prayer! Congratz to them