The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Imo State, has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Fr. Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area, was kidnapped along Ejemekwuru Road while en route to the annual retreat for priests.
In a statement issued by the Archdiocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, the church announced that the priest regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
“The Archdiocese is grateful to the general public for their prayers, which played a significant role in securing his safe return,” the statement read.
The incident is the latest in a string of abductions targeting religious leaders, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the region. The Catholic Church and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have repeatedly condemned these attacks, urging the government and security agencies to take decisive action against the growing menace of kidnappings.
