Owerri Catholic Archdiocese Announces Abduction Of Priest

By Charles Igbo

The Archdiocese of Owerri, Imo State, has announced the kidnapping, by gunmen, of one of its Priests, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu.

A release dated 24, March, 2025, signed by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, said that the victim, Fr. Ubaechu, was kidnapped Sunday  evening along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State. He was on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat when he was kidnapped by gunmen.

Rev. Fr. Ubaechu is the Parish Priest in charge of the Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe.

The statement added: “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.”

In the past two years, over 200 Priests have been kidnapped nationwide. While some were released after the ordeal after paid ransom, some, including Seminarians, have been murdered in captivity.