Owerri, Nigeria – The Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, who was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
A statement issued early Thursday morning by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, announced that Ubaechu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
“The Owerri Archdiocese is relieved to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, has been released. He regained his freedom from his abductors today, March 26, 2025,” the statement read.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Ubaechu was abducted at Ejemekuru while traveling to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests within the Owerri Archdiocese.
Reports indicate that his kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release. However, the statement issued by the Archdiocese did not disclose whether any ransom was paid.
Parishioners Express Relief, Call for Improved Security
Following the news of Ubaechu’s release, parishioners at Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, expressed immense gratitude to God. One parishioner, who identified himself simply as Okey, described the abduction as another reminder of the security challenges faced by residents in Imo State.
“We thank God for the release of Fr. Ubaechu and at the same time call on the Imo State Government and security agencies to do something about the repeated incidents of violent crimes on the Ejemekuru axis of the Izombe/Ogbaku road,” Okey said.
He further lamented the growing trend of kidnappings in the area, recalling that another Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, was kidnapped on May 26, 2023, in the same location after attending a burial ceremony in Izombe.
“Apart from the kidnapping of these two priests, several other cases of kidnapping and armed robbery have been reported around that same spot. This suggests that the criminals have established safe routes of escape there,” he added.
Security Concerns Mount
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the rising spate of insecurity along the Ejemekuru axis. Residents and parishioners have urged authorities to take immediate action to prevent further incidents.
“We urge the Imo State Government to set up a permanent security checkpoint along this road to deter criminals. It is clear that this has become a hotspot for kidnappers, and urgent intervention is needed,” another parishioner stated.
In recent months, cases of kidnapping and violent crimes have been on the rise in Imo State, with security experts pointing to factors such as inadequate policing, lack of surveillance, and the presence of unguarded escape routes as key contributors to the growing menace.
Authorities Yet to Comment
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Command and state government officials had yet to issue an official statement on the release of Rev. Fr. Ubaechu or any plans to address the recurring security threats in the area.
Meanwhile, the Owerri Archdiocese continues to call for prayers for the safety of its clergy and all residents, urging the government to take decisive action against criminal elements operating in the state.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
