The Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the kidnapped Parish Priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe.
In a statement released early Thursday morning, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, announced that Ubaechu was freed on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the clergyman was abducted on the evening of Sunday, March 23, at Ejemekuru while on his way to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests from the Owerri Archdiocese. Reports indicated that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release..
However, the official statement did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or the circumstances surrounding his release.
The statement, titled “Notification on the Release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu”, read:
“I am directed to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has been released. 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.”
A parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, identified as Okey, expressed gratitude for Ubaechu’s release while urging the Imo State Government and security agencies to address the growing insecurity along the Ejemekuru axis of the Izombe/Ogbaku road.
“This is the same spot where Fr. Mathias Opara was kidnapped on May 26, 2023, after attending a burial in Izombe. Numerous cases of kidnapping and armed robbery have been reported in the area, suggesting that criminals have a safe route for escape,” Okey lamented.
He called for the immediate establishment of a security checkpoint to curb criminal activities in the region.
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