The IRA tonight denied abducting a man missing from his home in Armagh city since Sunday.
Gareth O'Connor (24) has not been seen since he left his home in the city to report to gardaíin Dundalk under the terms of his bail conditions.
When the father-of-two failed to arrive, his family immediately voiced concerns that he had been abducted by the IRA.
His father Bernie said he was "100% certain" the IRA had abducted him. His mother also expressed her fears that he was already dead.
With no news despite an appeal for information by the Catholic primate, Archbishop Sean Brady, she said: "I am starting to fear the worst because we have had absolutely no contact from anyone."
Mr O'Connor added: "The longer it goes on the worse it is getting - my worst fear is that he is dead and they just haven't discovered the body."
The family fear their son was abducted by the IRA because of allegations that he was involved with dissident republicans - he was charged with membership of the "Real IRA" last November. The family deny his involvement.
The mystery deepened tonight when an statement from the Provisional IRA said: "The IRA has no knowledge whatsoever concerning the disappearance and whereabouts of Gareth O'Connor."
Local Sinn Féin councillor Mr Pat O'Rawe said while the circumstances surrounding the disappearance were unclear he backed Archbishop Brady's call for his safe return.
Police warned Mr O'Connor last week to review his security because of a potential threat to his safety.
A spokesman said they received a report on Sunday about a missing man but when officers tried to investigate and visited the family they were "told their assistance was no longer required".
PA