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The released Arch-Bishop of Niger Delta North, Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Ignatius Kattey has refuted claims making the rounds that he was rescued from his captors by the police.
Speaking to newsmen Wednesday at Eleme for the first time after his release, Kattey said he only saw police officers five days after his release.
The man of God who attributed his freedom to an act of God, narrated how he was dragged from one part of the bush to the other in the night for that nine days he was held captive.
The Arch-bishop said he was fed once a day for that number of days and was miraculously asked to go by the hoodlums after giving him N200 for ‘Okada’.
On what could have been the grievance of the kidnappers for abducting him, Kattey said they (hoodlums) said government has refused to create jobs to engage the people.
Asked how much was paid as ransom before his release, he said he is not aware if any money was paid by anybody to secure his release.
On whether he was tortured by the hoodlums, the man of God said apart from dragging him from one bush to the other, he was not tortured. He also said attempt by the kidnappers to chain him was jettisoned when he convinced them that he was not running away.
The man of God said he bears no grudge against his abductors and has since forgiven them.
The Arch-bishop said he actually blames the parents of the hoodlums for not training their children properly.
Kattey who is also the Dean of Church of Nigeria advised the government to provide the necessities of life for its citizens, and wondered why a place like Eleme should have no potable water, motorable roads and other basic amenities years after Nigeria gained independence.
According to him, in as much as he was not justifying the criminal activities of the kidnappers, if jobs are provided, less people will take to crime naturally.
The man of God thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Amaechi, Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police in the state and all the groups that contributed through prayers to his release.
Bishop Kattey was abducted on 6/9/13 at Aleto around 10pm on his way to Port Harcourt to receive the Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh who was on an official visit to the state. He was freed 9 days after. ####
