Imo Catholic priest released After 4 days in Captivity

Catholic Priest Freed: Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu Released After Kidnapping Incident

The Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat has officially announced the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the abducted parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe. Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, shared the news in a statement on Thursday morning, confirming that Ubaechu was freed on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped on the night of Sunday, March 23, while traveling to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests from the Owerri Archdiocese. Reports indicate that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release. However, details surrounding the circumstances of his liberation remain undisclosed.

In his notice regarding Ubaechu’s release, Rev. Fr. Mbara expressed gratitude, stating, “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.”

Okey, a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, expressed relief and gratitude over the priest’s return. He acknowledged the ongoing problem of violent crimes in the area, urging the Imo State Government and security agencies to take decisive action.

“We thank God for the release of Fr. Ubaechu and urge the authorities to address the escalating incidents of violence along the Ejemekuru axis of Izombe/Ogbaku road,” Okey said. He highlighted that the location where Fr. Ubaechu was abducted is the same area where Fr. Mathias Opara was kidnapped on May 26, 2023, after attending a burial in Izombe.

Okey noted that these two kidnappings are a part of a troubling trend, with numerous other kidnapping and armed robbery incidents occurring in the same vicinity. He called for the establishment of a security checkpoint in the area to help prevent further crimes.