In a distressing incident that happened on Tuesday night, suspected gunmen reportedly kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in the Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
It was learnt that the cleric, who was said to be ordained on 27 September 2014 by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State, was abducted in the Ayayi community within Obollo while returning from an assignment. .
Reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday night, the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, requested prayers from both the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s safe return.
The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” was issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese.
It 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.
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“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.”
Confirming the development, the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.
“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,” Okoye stated.