![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
The Kogi State Government on Monday launched two HP-20 State Asset Drones to bolster initiatives against insecurity, such as banditry, throughout the state.
Governor Usman Ododo, who inaugurated the drones at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks, characterized the initiative as an essential measure for maintaining peace and preventing criminals from gaining any ground in the state.
A government statement indicated that the unveiling event in Lokoja attracted leading military leaders, security stakeholders, and government representatives, signifying an important milestone in Ododo’s technology-focused security initiative.
During the event, Ododo emphasized the drones’ features, pointing out that they come with sophisticated surveillance, monitoring, and quick-response technologies that allow for real-time intelligence collection and targeted security measures, even in difficult environments.
“These priority drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrains, provide real-time intelligence, enable precision-led operations against terrorists, and offer early detection of suspicious movements,” the governor said.
He also stated that the drones would enhance coordination among security agencies and allow for faster, intelligence-driven deployment of forces across the state.
“Let me be very clear: this administration will not falter. We will not surrender our communities. We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. The government must be in charge—not bandits, not kidnappers,” he declared.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to confront and defeat criminal elements in Kogi State, warning that time is running out for those who threaten public peace.
He pointed out that criminals from other areas had previously targeted Kogi’s forests and border settlements, highlighting the state’s vital location as a gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
“We studied these threats carefully, and we responded with action, not excuses,” he said.
In evaluating the security performance of his government, Ododo stated that Kogi State has developed a strong security framework over the last two years that is based on the use of technology, community involvement, interagency collaboration, and strong political will.
“Today, Kogi State ranks among the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and our goal is clear—to make it the safest state in the country,” he added.
Brigadier General K.U. Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in Lokoja, characterized the deployment of drones as a pivotal development, positioning Kogi State as a leader in security advancement and operational effectiveness.
On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Brigadier General O.S. Abai, Director of Transformation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, reiterated the Nigerian Army’s dedication to ensuring security in Kogi State. He also emphasized the recent formation and deployment of the 21 Battalion to the state as a strategic measure to bolster troop presence and enhance quick responses to security challenges.
Residents and stakeholders throughout Kogi State have embraced the initiative, calling it a strong affirmation of the government’s dedication to protecting lives and properties.
![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 "Is Anthony Odiong still a priest after life in prison sentence over rape?")
