The abductors of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release.
Fr. Ubaechu was seized on Sunday in Ejemekwuru while en route to the annual retreat of priests under the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.
Confirming the development, the Chancellor and Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, lamented the rising cases of insecurity in the state.
A source privy to the negotiations, who craved anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers initially requested ₦50 million before slashing their demand.
“Since the abduction of Fr. John, the entire parish has been thrown into anxiety. As of today (Wednesday), the abductors are still holding him,” the source said.
The source further stated that while figures ranging from ₦50 million to ₦10 million have been mentioned, there is no clarity on the final demand by the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, another parishioner narrated how the hoodlums allegedly stripped the cleric of his cassock before taking him away.
“We were informed that the abductors forced our priest to remove his white cassock, dragged him out of his vehicle, and whisked him away. His car was later recovered by naval personnel at Izombe,” the parishioner recounted.
He called on the Imo State Government and security agencies to expedite efforts to secure Fr. Ubaechu’s release, appealing to the kidnappers to set him free unhurt.
PUNCH
Leave a Reply