Police in Nigeria’s Rivers State have expressed their hope that the Bishop of Ahoada, Clement Ekpeye, will be released. He was kidnapped on Tuesday evening. Today, The Tide news website reports that the kidnappers have not made any contact to express ransom demands. The Tide reports a rise in “serious tension and anxiety” in the area following the abduction.

A family source told The Tide that the perpetrators used a ladder to gain access to Bishop Clement’s residence before heading to the kitchen. Shouts from a cook alerted the bishop who had been in his parlour. On seeing the bishop, “they left the girl, and went for their target, forcing him into his own car and left before neighbours could render any help.”

They said that the car was returned later that evening.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has urged “the whole Anglican Communion to join me in praying for his safe release.”