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 by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement issued early Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, announced that the clergyman was freed on Wednesday, March 26.
Ubaechu was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, March 23, at Ejemekuru while travelling to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests in the Owerri Archdiocese.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that his abductors had demanded a N20 million ransom for his release.
However, Mbara’s statement did not disclose whether a ransom was paid. Instead, he expressed gratitude for Ubaechu’s safe return.
“I am directed to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has been released,” the statement read.
“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.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, identified only as Okey, expressed gratitude to God for the release of Fr. Ubaechu.
“We thank God for Fr. Ubaechu’s freedom and urge the Imo State Government and security agencies to address the recurring violent crimes along the Ejemekuru axis of the Izombe/Ogbaku road,” he said.
Okey noted that Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped in the same area where Fr. Mathias Opara was abducted on May 26, 2023, after attending a burial in Izombe.
“Beyond the abductions of these two priests, numerous cases of kidnapping and armed robbery have been reported in the same location, indicating that criminals have established escape routes in the area,” he added.
To prevent further incidents, he called for the establishment of a security checkpoint in the area.