The Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
In a statement issued early Thursday, March 27, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbara, the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, announced that Fr. Ubaechu had been freed on Wednesday, March 26.
The priest was abducted at Ejemekuru while traveling to Owerri for the annual retreat of priests in the Owerri Archdiocese.
Reports indicate that his captors had demanded a ransom of N20 million, though the details of his release remain undisclosed.
Mbara’s statement, titled “Notification on the Release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu,” expressed gratitude for his safe return:
“I am directed to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 23, 2025, has been released.
He regained his freedom from his abductors today, March 26, 2025.
We thank God for His infinite mercy and for answering our prayers. We appreciate your fraternal solidarity and prayers. To God be the glory.”
Reacting to the news, a parishioner from Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, identified as Okey, expressed relief and thanked God for the priest’s safe return.
However, he also called on the Imo State Government and security agencies to address the rising cases of violent crimes along the Ejemekuru axis of the Izombe/Ogbaku road.
“This same area where Fr. Ubaechu was kidnapped is where Fr. Mathias Opara was abducted on May 26, 2023, after attending a burial in Izombe.
Numerous other kidnappings and armed robberies have also occurred there, suggesting the criminals have safe escape routes,” Okey noted.
He urged authorities to establish a security checkpoint in the area to prevent further incidents.