Rev Fr. John Ubaechu’s Kidnappers Demand For ₦20M Ransom
The kidnappers of Rev. Fr John Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Imo State, are demanding a ₦20 million ransom for his release. Fr Ubaechu was abducted on Sunday evening in Ejemekwuru while en route to the annual retreat of priests from the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.
The abduction was confirmed by the Chancellor and Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr Patrick Mbarah, in a statement issued on Monday in Owerri.
A source within the church, who spoke anonymously to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Owerri, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million but later reduced the ransom to ₦20 million. The source expressed concern over the priest’s safety, as Fr Ubaechu has been held by his captors since Sunday.
“Most parishioners are extremely worried about the safety of the priest since Fr. John was kidnapped, and his abductors are still holding him as of today, Wednesday,” the source said.
The source also noted confusion regarding the exact ransom demand, with varying reports circulating. “Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding ₦50 million, others ₦20 million, and some even say it’s ₦10 million. The fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, and we continue to pray for his safe release.”
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The source further appealed to the state government and security agencies to intervene. “He is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him. We urge the authorities to help rescue the priest.”
Another parishioner, also speaking anonymously, expressed sorrow over the details of the abduction. “We received information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock and took him out of his vehicle before they drove off with him,” the parishioner said.
The vehicle was later recovered by naval personnel in Izombe. The parishioner also made a heartfelt plea to the kidnappers: “We appeal to the abductors to have a change of heart and release our priest.”
Content Credit | Agbetan Bisola
Image Credit | www.aciafrica.org
Source | www.gistmania.com
