Kidnappers Demand N20 Million for Abducted Imo Priest

Kidnappers Demand N20 Million for Abducted Imo Priest

The abduction of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, has sent shockwaves through the community, as kidnappers now demand N20 million for his release.

Fr. Ubaechu was seized on Sunday evening in Ejemekwuru while en route to the annual retreat of priests under the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese. The unsettling incident was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, Chancellor and Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, in a statement issued on Monday in Owerri.

A source within the church, who requested anonymity, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the abductors initially demanded N50 million but later reduced their demand to N20 million.

“Parishioners have been deeply distressed since Fr. John’s abduction. There are conflicting reports on the ransom amount, with figures ranging from N50 million to N10 million. Regardless, the priest remains in captivity, and we continue to pray for his safe return,” the source revealed.

The source further urged the state government and security forces to intervene, emphasizing that the priest is a missionary with no personal wealth to meet such demands.

Another parishioner recounted the harrowing moment of the abduction, stating that the kidnappers forced Fr. Ubaechu to remove his white cassock before dragging him out of his official vehicle and taking him away. The priest’s vehicle was later recovered by naval personnel in Izombe.

Appealing to the kidnappers, the parishioner pleaded, “We beg them to have a change of heart and release our priest unharmed.”

As concerns mount over insecurity in the region, the incident has reignited calls for stronger measures to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of religious leaders and citizens alike.