The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state, Rev’d Fr John Ubaechu, has been kidnapped.
A statement by the secretary, Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Rev’d Fr Patrick Mbamah, said the priest was kidnapped on Sunday along Ejemekwuru Road in the Oguta LGA, while on his way to the priests annual retreat.
The statement titled, ” notification of kidnap and call for prayers”, urged all faithful in the Archdiocese and beyond to pray for quick and safe release of the priest.
It said, “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 of Imo State. He was kidnapped on his way to the priest’s 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 spokesperson for the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident when contacted, saying the command had started combining bushes for the rescue of the priest and possibly arrest of the suspects.
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