Gunmen kidnapped Rev. Fr John Ubaechu, a Catholic priest from Ejemekwuru in Imo State’s Oguta Local Government Area.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese acknowledged the abduction in a statement issued by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr Patrick Mbarah.
According to the statement, Ubaechu, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, was kidnapped on Sunday while on his way to the priests’ annual retreat.
The Chancellor stated that the incident occurred on the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta and requested prayers for the safe release of the priest.
The statement read, “Notification of kidnap and call for prayers. 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.”
