Gunmen have kidnapped the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic parish in Obollo community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
The Catholic Church priest was kidnapped along Ayayi community in the Obollo community when his abductors came.
He was said to be returning to his parish from an assignment when the incident happened.
The Catholic diocese of Okigwe in a statement on Tuesday night solicited prayers from the clergy and laity of the diocese over the priest’s abduction.
The statement which was issued by very Rev Fr Princewill Iwuanyanwu who is the chancellor/ secretary of the diocese solicited fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.
The statement which was issued on Tuesday, tittled “notification of kidnap and call for prayers”.
The statement read” I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6pm.
“Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike who was ordained on September 27, 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo state.
“He was kidnapped along Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo state while on his way back home from an assignment.
“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
The elected councillor of Obollo ward, David Ajaero who confirmed the kidnap of the priest, disclosed that the community was praying for his unconditional release.
Describing the priest as a very good man, Ajaero enjoined the public to pray for the safety of the priest.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that machineries have been set in motion to rescue the priest and arrest the suspect.
Okoye said ” The CP has set up a high powered investigation team to look into this matter for possible rescue of the Catholic Priest and apprehension of the suspects”.
