Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest, Fr Ubaechu, in Imo

Reverend Father John Ubaechu, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state, has been kidnapped.

The Catholic priest was abducted along Ejemekwuru Road in the Oguta LGA on Sunday evening.

A statement by the secretary, Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Rev’d Fr Patrick Mbamah, made it known that the priest was kidnapped while on his way to the priests annual retreat.

Titled, “Notification of kidnap and call for prayers”, the statement urged all faithfuls in the Archdiocese and beyond to pray for quick and safe release of the priest.

Rev.Fr. Mbamah, stated that he was directed to inform the Catholic community and members of the public that one of their priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, 23 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 of Imo State. He was kidnapped on his way to the priest’s 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 priest said.

In reaction to the incident, one of his relatives and parishioner, Benedict Ihejirika, condemned the kidnap of the priest.

He said that the sad news of his abduction came as a shock to the parishioners.

“Yesterday evening kept me restless. Sleep left me through the nights. I joined my family in huge prayers from personal ones to church prayers as a Catholic.

“Our home was thrown into mourning because of the sad news. Since then, series of calls keep tripping in to ascertain the truth of the news,” Ihejirika stated.

He asserted that it bothers him to see men of God who give much in making consecration daily for the salvation of mankind will be treated in such a manner.

“A priest after the order of Melchizedek was taken away just like that. I have wondered how his condition has been all through the night.

“Almighty God, this is your fight. You can’t allow your church to be thrown into pandemonium. When the shepherd is held, the sheep will cry. Our Father and Maker, please, visit the place where our priest has been held, shatter the people holding him and release him to us in good health, Amen,” he prayed.

Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident as he disclosed that the command had started combing bushes for the rescue of the priest and possibly arrest of the suspects.