Imo: Church confirms release of abducted Catholic priest
Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the abducted Parish Priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State has regained freedom from his abductors.
Ubaechu’s release was confirmed by the Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat in a statement by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary on Thursday morning.
Mbara disclosed that the abducted priest was freed on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
In the terse statement, Mbara said, “I am directed to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has been released.
“He regained his freedom from his abductors today March 26, 2025
“We thank God for his infinite mercy and for answering our prayers. We appreciate your fraternal solidarity and prayers. To God be the glory.”
Recall that the clergyman was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, March 23 at Ejemekuru on his way to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Archdiocese.
It was gathered the same axis where Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped on Sunday was exactly where Fr. Mathias Opara was kidnapped on May 26, 2023, after attending the burial of the late father of a brother priest in Izombe.
Some residents have called on the State Government to boost security surveillance along the road to combat the recurring incidents of kidnapping and robbery in the community.
