Omotayo Adigun
An unidentified group of armed individuals has abducted Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe. The incident took place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, along the Ejemekwuru road, within the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri confirmed the abduction through a press release issued on Monday, March 24, 2025. Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Chancellor and Archdiocesan Secretary, detailed in the statement that Rev. Fr. Ubaechu was taken while traveling to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.
The Archdiocese has appealed to the faithful and all people of goodwill to offer sincere prayers for the prompt and safe release of Rev. Fr. Ubaechu. The statement specifically requested divine intervention through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his protection and return.
This abduction represents the second instance in which a priest from the Owerri Archdiocese has been seized along the Ejemekwuru road.
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In 2023, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara was kidnapped and endured days of severe mistreatment before being released. This recurring pattern of abductions has heightened concerns regarding the security of clergy members in the region.
Attempts to obtain a statement from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, did not respond to calls or messages seeking information related to the ongoing investigation.
The Archdiocese’s statement underscored the urgency of the situation and the necessity for collective prayers to facilitate the safe return of Rev. Fr. Ubaechu. The community is urged to remain alert and support all efforts aimed at securing his release.