General Overseer of BCCM, Pastor Okoro Released by Suspected Kidnappers in Cross River

 

The General Overseer of the Bible Christian Crusade Mission (BCCM), Pastor Joseph Okoro, has been released by suspected kidnappers.

Pastor Okoro was kidnapped on Wednesday night in the Church by unknown gunmen and released on Friday

The kidnap, which occurred at about 8;45 pm on Wednesday at the Church Headquarters located at 55 Webber Street,Calabar-South LGA took members unaware.

Interestingly, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ms Irene Ugbo told our correspondent on phone on Friday afternoon that the victim was released but could not say if ransom was paid or not.

However, when she (PPRO) was asked how the victim was released, she said “Let me confirm from the Anti Kidnapping first, let me find out if ransom was paid or not and I will get back to you” she stated.

For over five hours, the PPRO did not get back to us and when she was called, she busy the line and whenever the line eventually rang, she did not pick.

A member of the Church who saw how the Pastor Okoro was kidnapped, said that the gunmen numbering about five invaded the place and whisked the founder of the church in his own vehicle away.

The member, who pleaded for anonymity said, “The ugly incident occurred just after church service on Wednesday when the General Overseer wanted to leave the premises and the gunmen numbering about five accosted him and took him away.

“The service had ended as usual on Wednesday and a lot of people had left the church except for some few workers and pastor’s protocol people.

“When he was about leaving the gunmen numbering about five entered the premises and forced him into his vehicle
“They came in as members. After the programme, he went to his office, and as he was about to leave and go to his car and go home, the kidnappers approached him.

“Some people tried to struggle with them and they brought out guns and threatened to shoot anyone who interfered.
“They told everybody to lie down. The pastor asked the people not to struggle, that he will go with them,” the source said.

Source Daily post