Kidnappers Demand N20 Million for Release of Catholic Priest in Imo State

Kidnappers of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, are demanding N20 million as ransom for his release. The cleric was abducted on Sunday evening in Ejemekwuru while traveling to a retreat for priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese.

The Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, confirmed the abduction in a statement. A church source, speaking anonymously to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million before lowering their demand. The source added that conflicting reports suggest varying ransom amounts, but the priest remains in captivity as prayers continue for his safe return.

In a separate development, troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State, have arrested the suspected killers of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was murdered after being abducted in Tachira village, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following a raid on the hideout of the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere Local Government Area. OPSH spokesperson Major Samson Zakhom revealed in a statement that Yau was allegedly contracted by Douglas Henry, the deceased priest’s co-tenant, to carry out the kidnapping.

Zakhom explained that after Yau’s arrest, troops conducted a follow-up operation that led to Henry’s capture in Agwan Sarki Tachira, Kaura Local Government Area. He noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for abductions and killings in the region. Both suspects are in custody and undergoing further interrogation.