The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has confirmed the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State.
Rev. Fr. Ubaechu was abducted on Sunday evening, March 23, 2025, along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area, while on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” “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,” the statement read.
The church also called on the intervention of security agencies to ensure his safe return while entrusting the priest’s release to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests. As of the time of this report, the kidnappers have not made contact or demanded a ransom.
