LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike and three other persons have been abducted by gunmen in Ebonyi State.
Azubuike and the three, whose names are yet to be ascertained, were abducted in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, close to his residence in the area while returning from religious duties.
Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Father Mathew Opoke, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said that Azubuike was kidnapped close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
Opoke noted that the kidnappers had established contact and demanded an undisclosed amount of ransom.
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The statement reads: “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebony State.
“He was abducted alongside three other people.
“The abductors are making financial demands, but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, is yet to confirm the incident, as of the time of filing this report.