Suspected gunmen have kidnapped the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.
The abduction took place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, along Ejemekwuru Road, while the clergyman was on his way to attend the annual priests’ retreat.
The unfortunate incident was confirmed on Monday in a statement released by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbamah, the Secretary and Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.
Church Calls for Prayers
In a statement titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” Rev. Fr. Mbamah urged the faithful within and beyond the archdiocese to pray fervently for the safe return of Fr. Ubaechu.
He wrote:
“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. He is the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.”
“This tragic event occurred along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta LGA while he was traveling for the annual priests’ retreat. We urge all Christ’s faithful, along with people of goodwill, to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release.”
“We commend our brother, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, asking for his immediate and safe return from the hands of his captors.”
Family and Parishioners in Distress
Fr. Ubaechu’s abduction has left his family, parishioners, and well-wishers in deep sorrow. Benedict Ihejirika, a relative and member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, described the kidnapping as deeply distressing.
“The news of his abduction left me restless. Sleep eluded me as I joined my family in fervent prayers, both individually and within the church community. My eldest daughter refused to eat after hearing about it. Our home has been thrown into mourning, and our phones have not stopped ringing as people try to confirm the unfortunate news.”
Ihejirika expressed concern over the increasing lack of regard for human life, especially when religious figures become targets.
“It is heartbreaking to see that even men of God, who dedicate their lives to serving others, are being subjected to such inhumane treatment. It makes me wonder—how has our society become so cruel and barbaric that we no longer respect human life?”
Calling for divine intervention, he prayed:
“Almighty God, fight this battle for us. Do not allow Your Church to be thrown into chaos. When the shepherd is taken, the sheep are left vulnerable. Please, Father, visit wherever our priest is being held, dismantle the plans of his abductors, and grant us his safe return. Amen.”
Police Begin Search Operation
Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Command stated that efforts were already underway to locate and rescue Fr. Ubaechu.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, assured the public that security operatives were actively working to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Imo State Police Command has launched an intensive investigation into the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu. Our operatives are currently combing the surrounding forests and conducting surveillance in an effort to track down the kidnappers and secure his safe release,” Okoye said.
He further urged residents to provide any useful information that could assist in the rescue mission, emphasizing that cooperation between the police and the community would be crucial in resolving the situation.
Rising Insecurity in the Region
Fr. Ubaechu’s kidnapping adds to the growing concerns about insecurity in Imo State and across Nigeria. The increasing number of abductions, particularly of religious leaders, has heightened fears among citizens, with many calling for urgent government intervention.
Over the past year, several priests and pastors have been targeted by criminal groups, fueling anxiety within the religious community. Many believe these incidents reflect a broader security challenge that requires immediate and decisive action from both law enforcement agencies and government authorities.
As the search for Fr. Ubaechu continues, the Catholic community and well-wishers remain hopeful that prayers and security efforts will lead to his swift and safe return.
