Gunmen kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish within the Obollo group, Isiala Mbano Native Authorities Space of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, on Tuesday night time.
The Catholic priest was kidnapped within the Ayayi group inside Obollo as he was returning to his parish from an project.
PUNCH Metro reviews that the cleric was ordained on 27 September 2014 by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State.
The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a press release on Tuesday night time, requested prayers from each the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s secure return.
The assertion, issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, urged fervent prayers for the security of the priest and his swift return to his parish.
The assertion, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Name for Prayers,” reads: “I’m directed to tell you that certainly one of our clergymen, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this night, 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 Native Authorities Space, Imo State.
“He was kidnapped alongside the Aliyi group in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State whereas coming back from an project.
“We request your fervent prayers that he might return to us secure and sound, trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
The elected councillor of Obollo Ward, David Ajaero, confirmed the priest’s kidnapping to PUNCH Metro, disclosing that the group was praying for his unconditional launch.
Describing the priest as a superb man, Ajaero urged the general public to wish for his security.
The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.
Okoye stated, “The CP has arrange a high-powered investigation crew to look into this matter for the attainable rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects.”