![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has condemned the recent attacks by gunmen on communities in Plateau State.
Ruwi, Manguna, Daffo, Josho, and Hurti communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He described the killings as senseless and a threat to the unity, the gruesome murder of residents in Ruwi, Manguna, Daffo, and Josho and Hurti communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Chronicle NG reports that the attacks reportedly claimed several lives and left scores injured, mostly women and children.
In a statement published in Gombe by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, the governor expressed great grief over the unfortunate happenings and commiserated with the families of those impacted, as well as the government and people of Plateau State.
He condemned the recent outbreak of violence in rural villages in the North, particularly the continued shedding of innocent blood, calling it a stain on the region’s and nation’s conscience.
“The sanctity of human life must never be taken for granted. These heinous attacks on innocent people are completely unacceptable and must be condemned by all,” Yahaya said.
The NSGF chairman praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his prompt response and aggressive actions in dealing with the aftermath of the attacks, as well as the security forces for their quick intervention to restore peace.
He did, however, urge security personnel to step up their efforts to apprehend and prosecute the culprits.
Yahaya emphasised the importance of tolerance, peacebuilding, and mutual understanding among varied cultures, notably farmers and herders.
He emphasised the Northern Governors’ commitment to working together to alleviate instability, promote social cohesion, and cultivate peaceful coexistence throughout the region.
“As Northern Governors, we will continue to take deliberate steps to end this cycle of violence by strengthening security collaboration, promoting dialogue, and implementing policies that encourage peace and unity,” he added.
He urged community leaders, religious groups, and civil society organisations to back the government’s efforts by preaching peace, tolerance, and forgiveness, underlining that no significant progress can occur in an atmosphere of violence and fear.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
