Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Imo State, South East Nigeria, marking yet another attack on clerics in the troubled region.
Ubaechu, who serves as the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, in Oguta Local Government Area, was kidnapped on Sunday evening along Ejemekwuru Road.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
“He (Ubaechu) was kidnapped on his way to the priests’ annual retreat,” Mbarah stated, calling on Catholic faithful and Nigerians to pray for his safe release.
“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,” he added.
The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the abduction, with its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, assuring that “an intelligence-driven operation is underway to facilitate the possible rescue of the Catholic priest.”
He urged residents to provide any useful information that could help security operatives track down the kidnappers.
Rising Attacks on Clergy in the South East
The abduction of Fr. Ubaechu comes just hours after police in neighbouring Anambra State rescued another Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.
A combined team of security operatives, including the police, military, and vigilante groups, engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, forcing them to abandon the priest and escape through a nearby bush.
Echezona’s abduction and subsequent rescue highlight the growing security concerns in the Southeast, where abduction-for-ransom cases have surged.
Civil servants, politicians, business owners, and even students have become frequent targets.
Security Crisis in the Southeast
The spate of kidnappings and violent attacks in the Southeast has been linked to the activities of armed groups, with fingers often pointed at the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), though the group has repeatedly denied involvement.
Despite government crackdowns and security operations, abductions and violent crimes remain rampant, deepening fears among residents and religious communities.
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