There is anxiety within the Catholic community in Ebonyi State over the kidnap of Very Reverend Fr. Joseph Azubuike by unknown persons, suspected to be gunmen.
Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
A press statement titled “Call for Prayers” by the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Office of the Diocesan Chancellor disclosed that Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, the victim was abducted alongside three other people.
The statement read in part: “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.
“The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
“May Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us. Amen”.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi State Police Command, Onome Onovwakpoyeya when contacted disclosed that her office was yet to be furnished about the development.
“Am still making contact with our Divisional Police in the area of the incident. Let’s me find out if the matter has been reported”, Onovwakpoyeya.