A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.
According to the statement, Fr. Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was abducted on Sunday while traveling to attend the Priests’ annual retreat.
The Chancellor disclosed that the attack happened along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta and urged the faithful to pray for the priest’s swift and safe return.
“We deeply regret to inform the public that Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025, while on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat. The incident took place along the Ejemekwuru road,” the statement read.
The Archdiocese called on all Catholics and well-meaning individuals to offer prayers for his immediate release, placing their hope in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests.