Gunmen Abduct Imo Catholic Priest; Prayers Urged

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

Gunmen kidnapped Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, on Tuesday night while he was returning from an assignment in the Ayayi community.

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe confirmed the abduction, requesting “fervent prayers for his safe return.” Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor of the diocese, shared that Fr. Azubuike, ordained in 2014, was taken around 6 p.m. The Diocese called on clergy and laity alike to join in prayer, stating, “We trust in your goodwill and solidarity for his swift return.”

Local councillor David Ajaero described Fr. Azubuike as a kind-hearted man and encouraged the public to pray for his release. The Imo State police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, assured that a special team has been deployed to rescue the priest and capture those responsible.