Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Imo

Gunmen have kidnapped Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, a Catholic priest serving at Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement issued by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.

According to the statement, Fr. Ubaechu was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025, while traveling to attend the Priests’ annual retreat.

The Chancellor said the incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta and called for prayers for the safe release of Rev Fr John Ubaechu.

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.”