Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Imo

Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, at Ejemekwuru in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The Catholic Archdiocese, in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, disclosed that Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in the Izombe area of Imo State, was kidnapped while on his way to the Priests’ annual retreat on Sunday, March 23.

Mbarah stated: “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.

Abducted Catholic priest killed in captivity

“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.”

The Star