Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Imo – Another Shocking Abduction!
Imo State is back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Over the weekend, a group of unidentified bandits snatched Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.
You read that right! A priest on his way to a spiritual retreat was abducted along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area. Talk about a shocking twist!
Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Chancellor and Archdiocesan Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement dated March 24, 2025. He urged the faithful to pray for Fr. John’s safe return.
If this feels like déjà vu, you’re not wrong. In 2023, another priest, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, was kidnapped on the same road. He was eventually released, but not before going through a horrifying experience at the hands of his captors. Now, history seems to be repeating itself, and it’s beyond alarming!
As expected, the police have been tight-lipped. Efforts to get a response from the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, have led nowhere; calls have been ignored, and messages have gone unanswered. Frustrating, right?
This disturbing trend raises serious questions. How safe are our roads? What’s being done to protect religious leaders and citizens? And most importantly, when will Fr. John return home safely?
For now, all we can do is hope and pray. The Catholic community has turned to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his quick release.
Stay tuned for updates, and let’s keep Fr. John in our thoughts.
