Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest in Imo State

Babatunji Wusu –

• Priest Kidnapped: Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was abducted on Sunday evening in Ejemekwuru, Oguta LGA, Imo State.

• On His Way to Retreat: The priest was traveling to Owerri for the annual retreat of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese clergy when he was taken.

• Church Confirms Incident: The Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, confirmed the abduction in an official statement.

• Call for Prayers: The Catholic faithful and the general public have been urged to pray for his safe and swift release.

• Seeking Divine Intervention: The Church entrusts Fr. Ubaechu’s safety to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Gunmen have kidnapped Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. The abduction took place on Sunday evening, March 23, while he was traveling through Ejemekwuru to attend the annual retreat of priests in Owerri.

The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, Chancellor and Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.

“I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, March 23.

The sad incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta LGA as he was 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,” the statement read.

The kidnapping of Catholic priests has become an increasing concern in Nigeria, with clergymen frequently targeted by criminal groups. As the security situation in the region worsens, the Christian community continues to call for urgent action from authorities to curb such attacks.

Meanwhile, security agencies have yet to release any updates regarding efforts to rescue the kidnapped priest or the possible identity of the abductors.