Matthew Onocheta
OWERRI, Nigeria – Gunmen in Nigeria’s southeastern state of Imo have reportedly kidnapped a Catholic priest.
The Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu was kidnapped on Sunday while on his way to a retreat, a press statement by the Chancellor and Archdiocesan Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, said.
Part of the release dated March 24, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Owerri yesterday said: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, March 23, 2025.
“Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu is the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.
“The said incident occurred along Ejemekwuru road, in Oguta local government area of Imo State.
“He was kidnapped on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill, to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our priests.
“We commend our brother, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors.”
The Imo State Police Command’s spokesman Henry Okoye could not be reached for comment.
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