In Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, unidentified gunmen have kidnapped Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike, a priest of the Catholic faith.
On Monday, July 10, as he was returning from his pastoral duties, the parish priest of St. Charles Parish in the State’s Onicha Local Government Area, Mgbaleze Isu, was abducted together with three other people.
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki announced the priest’s kidnapping and requested prayers for their unconditional release.
On Tuesday, July 11, the church issued a “Call for Prayers” that was signed by Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, Chancellor of the Diocese.
“Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties. Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was abducted alongside three other people. The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
May Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us. Amen.
St. Joseph-Pray for us.”
