In a distressing incident, Reverend Father Joseph Azubuike, a Catholic priest, along with three unidentified individuals, was abducted by armed gunmen in Ebonyi State. The abduction occurred on Monday in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area, as Father Azubuike was returning home from his pastoral duties.
The spokesperson for the state’s police, Superintendent Onome Onovwakpoyeya, was unable to provide details on the matter at the time of this report.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State confirmed the abduction of Father Azubuike through a statement issued by Reverend Father Uzoma Opoke, the Diocesan Chancellor. The statement, titled “Call for Prayers,” appealed for the community’s support in prayer.
Father Azubuike serves as the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbalaeze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area. The statement mentioned that along with Father Azubuike, three other individuals were also taken captive. The abductors have made financial demands, but the diocese expressed confidence in the power of prayers to secure their unconditional release.
The statement concluded with a plea for the intercession of Mother Mary of priests and invoked the prayers of St. Joseph.