On July 12, 2023, criminals with guns kidnap an Ebonyi Catholic priest and three others.

On Wednesday, Rev. Fr., a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by gunmen. Ebonyi State’s Joseph Azubuike and three unknown individuals.

Azubuike is the parish priest of St. Charles Parish, which is located in the Isu community of Mgbaleze village in the state’s Onicha Local Government Area.

Reverend Father Mathew Opoke, Chancellor of the Abakaliki Diocese, said in a statement on Wednesday that Azubuike was kidnapped while returning from evangelistic duties close to his parish.

Opoke revealed that the kidnappers had made contact with the Diocese and demanded a ransom in an undisclosed amount.

“Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr.,” read one portion of the statement. Joseph Azubuike was kidnapped on 12, while returning from his pastoral duties near his parish.

He was taken along with three others. The kidnappers are asking for money, but with your prayers, we will get them back without condition.

SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the state Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the command had received a report of the kidnapping and that the investigation was still ongoing.