Gunmen abduct Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Imo State

Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.

According to the statement, Rev. Fr. Ubaechu, who serves as the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was taken on Sunday while traveling for the annual priests’ retreat. The incident happened along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta.

The Chancellor urged the public to pray for the priest’s safe return.

“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.”