Gunmen kidnapped 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, on Tuesday night.

The Catholic priest was abducted in the Ayayi community within Obollo as he was returning to his parish from an assignment.

PUNCH Metro reports that the cleric was ordained on 27 September 2014 by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State.

The Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, requested prayers from both the clergy and laity of the diocese for the priest’s safe return.

The statement, Issued by Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, urged fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.

The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” reads: “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.

“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 elected councillor of Obollo Ward, David Ajaero, confirmed the priest’s kidnapping to PUNCH Metro, disclosing that the community was praying for his unconditional release.

Describing the priest as a good man, Ajaero urged the public to pray for his safety.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that measures had been taken to rescue the priest and apprehend the suspects.

Okoye said, “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.” (The PUNCH)