Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu.
Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru, Imo State, on Sunday.
His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
In a circular addressed to the church’s faithful on Monday, the Archdiocese said Ubaechu was heading to the Priests’ Annual Retreat when he was abducted.
The Chancellor disclosed that the incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta and called for prayers for the safe release of the kidnapped priest.
The notice 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.
“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.”;
