Unknown Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest in Imo State
Unknown Gunmen have kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in the Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
Didactic Information Hut reports tha the Catholic priest was kidnapped in the Ayayi community within Obollo on Tuesday night as he was returning to his parish from an assignment.
Confirming the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, called for prayers from both the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s safe return.
The statement signed by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, requested for fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.
The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” reads: “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at about 6 pm.
“Rev. Fr. Azubuike, who was ordained on 27 September 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State.
“He was kidnapped along the Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while returning from an assignment.
“We request your fervent prayers that he may return to us safe and sound, trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
Similarly, the elected councillor of Obollo Ward, David Ajaero, also confirmed the priest’s kidnap and said that the community was praying for his unconditional release.
Meanwhile, the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said that efforts have been put in place to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.
“The CP has set up a high-powered investigation team to look into this matter for the possible rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects,” Okoye said.
