By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Gunmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike and three other persons in Ebonyi State, thegazellenews.com reports.
It was gathered that the cleric was abducted on Monday, 10 July,2023 in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State close to his residence in the area.
Although the police authorities are yet to react to the incident as at the time of filing this report, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki confirmed the abduction in a statement on Tuesday, 11 July, 2023.
The Chancellor of the diocese, Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, said Azubuike was whisked away by the gunmen while returning from pastoral duties.
In a statement titled, “Call for prayers,” the diocesan chancellor asked the Catholic faithful to pray for the unconditional release of the priest.
Opoke also confirmed that three other victims were kidnapped alongside the priest, although he didn’t reveal their identities.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbalaeze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,” the statement read.
