The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father John Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement signed by the Archdiocesan Secretary, Reverend Father Patrick Mbarah, the church disclosed that the priest was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, along Ejemekwuru Road while on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
The Archdiocese has called on all Christian faithful and people of goodwill to fervently pray for his swift and safe release.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command, through its spokesperson Henry Okoye, announced that the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has launched an investigation into the incident. He has also ordered an intelligence-led operation aimed at securing the priest’s unconditional release.
The police urged members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist in rescuing the abducted priest.
