The abduction of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Imo State, has sparked widespread concern after the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
The priest, who was on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests from the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, was abducted on Sunday evening in the town of Ejemekwuru, located in the northern part of the state. His abduction was confirmed on Monday by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, who issued a statement to the public, confirming the unfortunate incident.
According to church sources, the kidnappers initially contacted some intermediaries, demanding a ransom of N50 million for the priest’s release. However, the amount was later reduced to N20 million. Although the demands have varied, with some reports stating that the kidnappers initially sought as much as N10 million, the exact amount remains unclear. Despite these differences in the reports, it is certain that Fr. Ubaechu is still being held by his captors, and there has been no word on his safe release as of Wednesday.
A source within the church, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed deep concern over the priest’s safety, emphasizing the growing anxiety among parishioners. “Most parishioners have been extremely worried about the safety of the priest since Fr. John was kidnapped. His abductors are still holding him, and we keep praying for his safe release,” the source stated.
The source further urged both the state government and security agencies to intervene and ensure the priest’s prompt and safe release. Fr. Ubaechu, being a missionary, is described as having no personal wealth or valuable assets that could generate money. As a result, many parishioners and concerned individuals believe that the motive behind the abduction is solely financial, rather than a targeted personal attack.
The incident has also drawn public attention to the increasing insecurity in Imo State and other parts of the South-East region. The region has witnessed a rise in cases of kidnappings, particularly targeting individuals in vulnerable positions, including religious leaders, businesspeople, and government officials. Fr. Ubaechu’s abduction has added to the already tense security situation in the state.
In a separate conversation with a parishioner, it was revealed that the abductor took extreme measures when abducting the priest. “We were informed that the kidnappers forced Fr. John to remove his white cassock, which is his religious attire, before taking him out of his official vehicle,” the parishioner, who also requested anonymity, said. The priest’s vehicle was later recovered by naval personnel stationed in the Izombe area, but there was no sign of Fr. Ubaechu at the time.
The parishioner appealed to the kidnappers to reconsider their actions, urging them to show mercy and release the priest. “We are appealing to the kidnappers to have a change of heart and release Fr. John. He is a servant of God who has done nothing wrong,” the parishioner pleaded.
The abduction of Rev. Fr. Ubaechu has deeply shaken the local Catholic community, many of whom regard the priest as a compassionate and dedicated religious figure. He has served the community in various capacities and is well-loved by the parishioners. His sudden disappearance has left the church community in turmoil, with many people coming together to pray for his release.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact ransom amount, church officials have continued to express hope for the priest’s safe return. “We trust in God’s will, and we are hopeful that Fr. John will be returned to us unharmed,” the church source added.
In response to the growing concern, local religious leaders and members of the Imo State community have called for increased security measures to prevent further kidnappings in the area. Many believe that Fr. Ubaechu’s abduction is part of a larger pattern of criminal activities that have plagued the state in recent months. There are also calls for greater cooperation between local security agencies, the state government, and religious organizations to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to establish communication with the kidnappers, and family members of the priest are reportedly working closely with security agencies to secure his release. Imo State Police Command, along with other relevant security bodies, have launched an investigation into the abduction and are reportedly making progress in identifying the suspects responsible for the crime.
The situation has also attracted the attention of human rights organizations, who have condemned the rising trend of kidnappings and other forms of violence in the region. These organizations have called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the safety of citizens, especially in the South-East, where insecurity has been on the rise. Some have even demanded stronger penalties for those found guilty of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Fr. Ubaechu’s abduction comes at a time when the Catholic Church and other religious bodies in Nigeria are increasingly concerned about the safety of their clergy. The Church has faced growing challenges in recent years, including threats to religious freedom, attacks on worshippers, and the abduction of priests for ransom. In response, religious leaders have called for increased government action to protect the safety of religious leaders and places of worship.
As the investigation into Fr. Ubaechu’s abduction continues, the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese and the broader Catholic community in Imo State remain hopeful for his safe return. Church leaders have called for prayers and solidarity from parishioners, with the hope that through collective effort and divine intervention, the priest will soon be released unharmed.
