Gunmen abducted a Catholic priest, Emmanuel Azubuike, on Tuesday evening in Obollo, a community in Isiala Mbano County (Local Government Area) of Imo State, Nigeria, according to local authorities.
Mr. Azubuike, the parish priest of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo, was reportedly attacked by armed men while returning to his parish from an assignment.
Princewill Iwuanyanwu, chancellor and secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, confirmed the abduction in a statement Tuesday night. “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6 p.m.,” Mr. Iwuanyanwu stated, requesting prayers for the priest’s safe release.
The diocese did not disclose if the kidnappers had demanded ransom.
Imo State Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, confirmed the incident Wednesday, saying law enforcement is working to locate Mr. Azubuike and apprehend the suspects. “We are doing everything possible to make sure that we rescue him and arrest those who kidnapped him,” he told PREMIUM TIMES.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
