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Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
According to the statement, Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was kidnapped on Sunday while on his way to the Priests’ annual retreat.
The Chancellor said the incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta and called for prayers for the safe release of Rev Fr John Ubaechu.
The statement read, “Notification of kidnap and call for prayers. I am directed to inform you that one of our Priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, 23rd March, 2025.
“Rev Fr John Ubaechu is the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe. The sad incident occurred along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area. 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 Priest.
“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.”
Also, in a statement by Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, he said that the Imo State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction of Rev. Fr. Ubaechu.
Okoye disclosed that an intelligence-driven operation is also underway to facilitate the possible rescue of the Catholic priest.
The Command urged the public to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information. Such information can be reported to the nearest police station or communicated via the emergency lines at 0803 477 3600 or 0815 802 4755.
