Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike has been kidnapped by gunmen.
The priest was reportedly kidnapped on Monday (yesterday).
He was kidnapped alongside three other persons whose names could not be ascertained.
He is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Father Mathew Opoke, confirmed the kidnap of the priest in a statement.
He said that Azubuike was kidnapped close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
Opoke noted that the kidnappers have established contact and have demanded for undisclosed amount of ransom.
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 Ebony 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.“
Police spokesperson in the state, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, could not be reached for comments.
She did not take calls or messages sent to her at the time of this report.
