Rev. Fr John Ubaechu, Kidnapped By Gunmen In Imo State
Another wave of insecurity has hit Imo State as Rev. Fr John Ubaechu, a Catholic priest, was abducted by unidentified gunmen along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.
The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the tragic incident in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr Patrick Mbarah. According to the statement, Fr Ubaechu, who serves as the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was taken hostage on Sunday, March 23, 2025, while en route to the priests’ annual retreat.
The archdiocese, in its official communication, urged the faithful and the general public to join in prayer for the swift and safe release of the abducted priest.
“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 statement read.
Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, SP Henry Okoye, stated that an investigation has been launched to track down the kidnappers and ensure Fr Ubaechu’s safe return.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity in Imo State, where cases of kidnapping, armed attacks, and violence have been on the rise. Religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests, have become frequent targets for abductions, sparking widespread fear and calls for enhanced security measures.
See Also: Pastor Femi Lazarus And Timi Dakolo Settle Their Dispute
In recent years, Imo State has experienced heightened security challenges, including attacks attributed to armed groups and criminal elements. Clashes between security forces and insurgents, as well as politically motivated violence, have further destabilised the region. The abduction of clergy members has particularly alarmed the Christian community, raising concerns about the safety of religious leaders who serve as moral and spiritual pillars of society.
The kidnapping of Rev. Fr Ubaechu follows a series of similar incidents in Imo State and other parts of Nigeria. In 2023, several Catholic priests were kidnapped in the Southeast, with some cases ending in tragic deaths. These attacks have prompted church authorities and civil society groups to call for urgent government intervention and improved security measures to curb the menace of kidnappings.
As the search for Rev. Fr John Ubaechu continues, his parishioners and well-wishers remain hopeful for his safe and speedy release. Meanwhile, stakeholders are urging both the state and federal governments to strengthen security operations and intelligence gathering to prevent further abductions and criminal activities in the region. The Catholic Church, alongside other religious and civic organisations, continues to advocate for peace and security in the state.
Content Credit | Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit | www.aciafrica.org
Source | www.gistmania.com
