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Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in the Obollo community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
The Catholic priest was abducted in the Ayayi community within Obollo as he was returning to his parish from an assignment on Tuesday night, November 5, 2024.
The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday night.
The statement signed by the Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, urged fervent prayers for the safe return of the priest.
“I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at about 6 pm,” the statement read.
“Rev. Fr. Azubuike, who was ordained on 27 September 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State
“He was kidnapped along the Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while returning from an assignment.
“We request your fervent prayers that he may return to us safe and sound, trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the abduction, saying that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.
“The CP has set up a high-powered investigation team to look into this matter for the possible rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects.”
