The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev Fr John Ubaechu was on Sunday evening kidnapped by unknown persons in Ejemekwuru, Imo State.
Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev Fr Patrick Mbarah made the disclosure in a circular addressed to the church’s faithful on Monday.
He said Rev Fr John Ubaechu was heading to the Priests’ Annual Retreat when the kidnapping incident occurred on Sunday.
The Chancellor disclosed that the incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta, calling for prayers for the safe release of the kidnapped priest.
The notice 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.”
