Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has been released. His freedom was confirmed by the Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat in a statement issued by Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, early Thursday morning.
The statement revealed that Fr. Ubaechu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. However, it did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or if security operatives played any role in his release. Reports had earlier stated that the kidnappers demanded N20 million before setting him free, but no official confirmation has been given regarding the circumstances of his release.
Fr. Ubaechu was abducted while traveling through Ejemekuru on his way to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests in the Owerri Archdiocese. His abduction sparked widespread concern, especially among members of his parish and the Catholic community in Imo State.
Following his release, a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, who identified himself as Okey, expressed joy and gratitude to God. He also called on the government and security agencies to address the growing cases of kidnappings and violent crimes along the Ejemekuru axis of the Izombe/Ogbaku road.
“This same axis where Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped on Sunday was exactly the same area that Fr. Mathias Opara was kidnapped sometime in May 26, 2023, after attending the burial of the late father of a brother priest in Izombe,” Okey stated.
He further noted that apart from the abduction of the two priests, several other cases of kidnappings and armed robbery have been reported in the area, raising concerns about the security situation. To prevent future occurrences, Okey suggested that security agencies should set up a permanent checkpoint in the area to deter criminals.
