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Some gunmen on Tuesday night kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic parish in Obollo community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
The Catholic Church priest was kidnapped along the Ayayi community in the Obollo community when his abductors struck.
He was said to be returning to his parish from an assignment when the incident happened.
It was gathered that the cleric was ordained on September 27, 2014, by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo state.
The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, solicited prayers from the clergy and laity of the diocese over the priest’s abduction.
The statement, which was issued by very Rev Fr Princewill Iwuanyanwu, who is the chancellor/ secretary of the diocese, solicited fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.
The statement, which was issued on Tuesday and was sighted by our correspondent the same day, was titled “notification of kidnap and call for prayers”.
The statement read,” I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6pm.
“Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike who was ordained on September 27, 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo state.
“He was kidnapped along Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo state while on his way back home from an assignment.
“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
The elected councillor of Obollo ward, David Ajaero who confirmed the kidnap of the priest to newsmen, disclosed that the community was praying for his unconditional release.
Describing the priest as a very good man, Ajaero enjoined the public to pray for the safety of the priest.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Wednesday morning.
Pascal Arogorn Ibe
