Nigeria: More priests kidnapped

Fr Stephen Echezona © ACN

Source: ACN

Two priests were kidnapped in the south of Nigeria last weekend.

Fr John Ubaechu parish priest of Holy Family Church, Izombe, Imo State was kidnapped on Sunday 24th March, following the abduction of Father Stephen Echezona, who was seized while refuelling at a patrol station in Ichida, Anambra State.

According to local police Father Echezona was rescued as part of a security operation in the early hours on Sunday morning. Father Ubaechu remains in captivity.

The chancellor of Owerri Archdiocese Fr Patrick Mbarah sent a circular to local parishes to inform them of Father Ubaechu's abduction and call for prayers.

He wrote: "The sad incident occurred along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area. He was kidnapped on his way to the priests' annual retreat.

"We invite all Christ's faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our priest.

We commend our brother, Reverend Fr John Ubaechu to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors."

Father Echezona was set free following a gun battle.

According to Anambra Police Command spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga: "The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and, in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior firepower of the Joint Security Team, fled the scene and held the Reverend Father hostage.

"The joint security team, however, pursued the criminals, alerting different security checkpoints and operatives in the state. This led to the criminals abandoning the Reverend Father at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush. The Police have taken over the scene in Ihiala, working to apprehend the armed criminals and recover the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Reverend Father."

In 2025, Aid to the Church in Need has recorded 15 incidents of kidnapping around the world - 12 of which occurred in Nigeria.

Besides the 12 cases, three priests kidnapped in previous years are still unaccounted for.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Fr Remegius Ihyula from Nigeria will be in the UK to speak at ACN events:

26th March 2025: Africa, Christianity and Human Rights one-day Colloquium at St Mary's University, Twickenham, 10.30am-4.30pm. Entrance is free. For more details visit: https://RenewingTheConversation.eventbrite.co.uk

29th March: Courage to be Catholic conference at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY, 9.30am to 4pm. Tickets £25 and £30. For more details visit: https://acnuk.org/event/scottish-catholic-conference/