Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest, three others in Ebonyi

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike and three others, whose names could not be ascertained, have been kidnapped by gunmen, in Ebonyi State.

They were reportedly kidnapped on Monday.

Fr. Azubuike is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze village, Isu community, in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

The Chancellor of the Abakaliki Diocese, Rev Father Mathew Opoke confirmed the incident in a statement, on Tuesday.

He said Fr. Azubuike was kidnapped close to his parish on his way back from evangelical duties.

Opoke revealed the kidnappers had established contact with the Diocese and demanded an undisclosed amount of ransom.

The statement read, “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.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya could not be reached for comment, as of the time of filing this report, on Tuesday.

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