A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Ejemekwuru, a community in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement issued by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.

Sources report that Fr. Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, was abducted on Sunday evening while traveling to attend the Priests’ annual retreat.

The abduction took place along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta.

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The archdiocese is calling for prayers for the safe return of Fr. Ubaechu.

The statement expressed: “We regret to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, March 23, 2025. He was enroute to the Priests’ Annual Retreat when the tragic incident occurred.”

The archdiocese is urging all faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the priest’s swift and safe release and is invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his safe return.

Crediblenewsng.com