A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been abducted by unknown gunmen along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state.
Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was kidnapped on Sunday March 23rd, 2025 while on his way to the Priests’ annual retreat.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
The statement reads;
“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.”
Meanwhile the Imo State Police Command through its spokesman Henry Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has launched an investigation into the incident and has directed an intelligence led operation for the possible rescue and release of the priest unconditionally.
