Gunmen on Sunday abducted the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Imo State, Rev. Fr John Ubaechu.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese which confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, on Monday, said the victim was kidnapped along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.
Ubaechu, according to the statement, was on his way to an annual retreat for priests in Owerri when he was accosted by the hoodlums and whisked to an unknown destination.
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.”