The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr John Ubaechu, was on Sunday evening abducted by some unknown persons in Ejemekwuru, Imo State. Making this known in a circular to the church faithful on Monday was Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr Patrick Mbarah.
He confirmed that Rev Fr John Ubaechu was kidnapped on Sunday after he embarked to the Priests’ Annual Retreat. The Chancellor issued the statement announcing the kidnap along Ejemekwuru Road, Oguta and called on Christians to offer prayers for the rescue of the kidnap priest without harm.
The message read, “Kidnap notice and prayer call. I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, 23rd March, 2025.”
“Rev Fr John Ubaechu is the Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe Parish Priest. The sad event occurred along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area. He was kidnapped while on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.”.
“We respectfully call to mind all of Christ’s faithful and all good-willed men and women everywhere to pray fervently for our Priest’s swift and safe deliverance.”
We call on the great intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Priests, on our brother, Rev Fr John Ubaechu to secure his safe release from captors.
