Catholic Priest, three others kidnapped in Ebonyi
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
A Catholic Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike has been kidnapped in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the State.
He was reportedly kidnapped alongside three others, on Monday, on his way back from pastoral duties.
The kidnappers, it was gathered, are making financial demands before they could be released.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has called for prayers for the unconditional release of the abducted Priest.
A statement titled “Call For Prayers” which was signed by the Diocese’s Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Priest was abducted close to his Parish.
The statement reads:
“Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
“May Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us. Amen.
“St. Joseph-Pray for us.”
Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, as at the time of filing this report failed.
