Why Gun men kidnap Catholic Priests in Imo state

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Gunmen

Gunmen kidnap Catholic priests in Imo State for various reasons, primarily driven by financial gain through ransom demands.

In some cases, kidnappers demand significant ransoms from the Catholic Church or the priest’s family.

For instance, a case was reported where a priest was held for over seven days and made to pay a N5 million ransom.

The priests and the Church attribute the kidnappings to inadequate security measures and insufficient capacity of security operatives to curb the situation.

Over 50 priests have been kidnapped in Imo State since 2015, with two unfortunate deaths.

The kidnappings seem to be concentrated in specific areas, including Ahiara, Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri dioceses, with Okigwe recording the highest number of priest victims.

While the exact motivations and identities of the kidnappers vary, some reports suggest that Fulani herdsmen might be involved.

However, more investigation is needed to confirm this.

The kidnappings have led to widespread concern and condemnation from the Church and the community.

The Imo State PDP has even called on the President to intervene, citing the state’s inability to handle insecurity.

Some notable cases include
Father Emmanuel Azubuike’s Abduction: A Catholic priest was kidnapped in Imo State, but later regained his freedom.

Father Cyriacus Onunkwo’s Kidnapping and Murder: A priest was kidnapped and later found dead in Omuma Village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.

Father Mathias Opara’s Abduction: A Catholic priest was kidnapped alongside three others along Ejemekwuru-Ogbaku Road in Imo State.

Recall that on the 24th of March 2025,
Gunmen abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocese confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah.

According to the statement, Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, was kidnapped on Sunday while on his way to the Priests’ annual retreat.

The Chancellor said the incident occurred along the Ejemekwuru road in Oguta and called for prayers for the safe release of Rev Fr John Ubaechu.

The statement read, “Notification of kidnap and call for prayers. I am directed to inform you that one of our Priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped on the evening of Sunday, 23rd March, 2025.

“Rev Fr John Ubaechu is the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe.

The sad incident occurred along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area.

He was kidnapped on his way to the Priests’ Annual Retreat.

“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our Priest

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