ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.
Leadership reports that the abduction occurred on Sunday evening along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta, while he was on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
The Chancellor and Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, confirmed the incident in a circular issued on Monday, calling on the church community and the public to pray for Fr. Ubaechu’s safe release.
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, March 23, 2025.
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“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.”
The Archdiocese further commended Fr. Ubaechu to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeking divine intervention for his immediate release from captivity.
The kidnapping of Fr. Ubaechu is the latest in a series of abductions targeting religious leaders and residents in Imo State, raising renewed concerns over security in the region.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding investigations or possible efforts to rescue him.