On Tuesday night, armed assailants abducted Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, located in the Obollo community within the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
A Catholic priest was taken captive in the Ayayi community of Obollo while he was making his way back to his parish from an assignment.
According to report, the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State ordained the clergyman on September 27, 2014.
The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe implored the diocese’s clergy and laypeople to pray for the priest’s safe return in a statement released Tuesday night.
The statement, issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, urged 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.”
David Ajaero, the elected councillor for Obollo Ward, stated that the priest had been abducted and that the community was praying for his unconditional release.
Ajaero appealed on the public to pray for the priest’s safety and described him as a good man.
The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.
Okoye said, “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.”
