Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, a Catholic priest and 3 worshippers have been abducted by gunmen in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
At St. Charles Parish in Mgbaleze Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the State, Fr. Joseph serves as the parish priest. He was taken hostage on Monday while returning from his pastoral responsibilities together with three other people.
It was learned that the kidnappers are demanding money before they may be freed.
The abducted Priest and three other people have been prayed for unconditionally by the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.
In a statement titled “Call For Prayers” which was signed by the Diocese’s Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, on Tuesday, the Church confirmed that the Priest was abducted close to his Parish.
The statement reads, “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday 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 Ebonyi 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.
“May Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us. Amen.
“St. Joseph-Pray for us.”
According to reports, efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, as been unsuccessful.