Catholic Priest Abducted In Imo

Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, has been kidnapped by bandits on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.

The Chancellor and Archdiocesan Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, confirmed the sad development in a press statement, dated March 24, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Owerri yesterday.

Part of the release read: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, March 23, 2025.

“Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu is the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.

“The said incident occurred along Ejemekwuru road, in Oguta local government area of Imo State.

“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 priests.

“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.”