Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Ebonyi

Gunmen have abducted Joseph Azubuike, a Catholic priest at Saint Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mathew Opoke, chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, said Azubuike was abducted close to his parish while returning from pastoral duties.

Opoke said the priest and three others were abducted, adding that the abductors have demanded a ransom.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Fr. Joseph is the Parish priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha local government area of Eboni 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.”

When contacted for comments, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, police spokesperson in Ebonyi, was not immediately available.

There have been cases of religious leaders being abducted in recent times.

In June, TheCable reported that Ibrahim Bodunde-Oyinlade, the chief Imam of the Uso community in Owo LGA of Ondo state was abducted on his farm at Asolo camp.

The 67-year-old cleric was released the following day, and a family member said the kidnappers had demanded N10 million in ransom.

In May, two Catholic priests — Mathias Opara and Jude Maduka — were abducted in Imo state.