Gunmen have abducted Reverend Father John Ubaechu, a Catholic priest, in the Ejemekwuru area of Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese has confirmed the kidnapping in an official statement.
Reverend Father Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, was abducted on Sunday evening while en route to the Priests’ annual retreat. The incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta.
The Archdiocese, through Chancellor and Secretary Reverend Father Patrick Mbarah, has issued an urgent call for prayers for the safe and immediate release of Father Ubaechu. The statement implores all Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill to join in earnest prayer for his safe return.
The Archdiocese has placed Reverend Father Ubaechu under the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his swift release from his captors. Authorities have not yet released details on any potential ransom demands. This is a developing story.
