Reports reaching Igbo TV have it that Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, a Catholic priest, has been kidnapped in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Fr. Ubaechu was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025, while traveling for the Priests’ Annual Retreat. He was serving as the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.
The abduction of the priest of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese was confirmed in a statement endorsed by the Chancellor and Secretary, Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
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Part of the statement read, “We regret to announce the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, which took place on Sunday. He was taken along the Ejemkwuru road while on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat. This barbaric incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road while on his voyage. This inhumane act is seen to be a brutal and condescending event that is persisting and has claimed the lives of many without being remorseful of the fact that they are dealing with fellow humans as themselves.”
The Archdiocese beckons for the fervent prayers of the Catholics and people of goodwill for his swift and safe release, also seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of all priests.
The rate of kidnaps of Catholic priests in the eastern region of Nigeria is alarming. At least over 15 priests have been victims of kidnapping in the southeast since 2023, according to data from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
