Gunmen have reportedly abducted a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, and three other unidentified persons in Ebonyi State.
The Chancellor of the Abakaliki Diocese of the Catholic Church, Rev. Father Mathew Opoke, in a statement on Tuesday said Fr. Azubuike, the Parish Priest, was abducted on Monday close to his parish, St. Charles Catholic Church, Mgbaleze village, Isu community in Onicha Council Area of Ebonyi State.
According to him, he was on his way back from evangelical duties when the gunmen ambushed and abducted him.
Opoke, who said the kidnappers had called the Diocese for ransom, however, did not mention amount.
The statement partly read: “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.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi 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.”
