On Monday, March 24, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Rev’d Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped by gunmen in Imo State. The priest was abducted on Sunday evening, March 23, along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area, while on his way to the priests’ annual retreat.
A statement from the Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Rev’d Fr Patrick Mbamah, confirmed the news. It was titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers” and asked everyone in the Archdiocese and beyond to pray for the safe and quick release of the priest.
The statement read: “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.”
One of Fr. Ubaechu’s relatives and a parishioner, Benedict Ihejirika, spoke out about the distressing event. He shared his shock and sadness, saying, “Yesterday evening kept me restless. Sleep left me through the nights. I joined my family in huge prayers, from personal ones to church prayers as a Catholic.”
Ihejirika added, “Our home was thrown into mourning because of the sad news. Since then, series of calls keep tripping in to ascertain the truth of the news.”
He expressed concern over the treatment of clergy, saying, “It bothers me to see men of God who give so much in making consecration daily for the salvation of mankind being treated in such a manner.”
“I have wondered how his condition has been all through the night. Almighty God, this is your fight. You can’t allow your church to be thrown into pandemonium. When the shepherd is held, the sheep will cry. Our Father and Maker, please, visit the place where our priest has been held, shatter the people holding him, and release him to us in good health, Amen.”
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the kidnapping and shared that the police have started searching the area, combing through bushes in efforts to rescue the priest and arrest the suspects responsible.
