The Imo State Police Command has disclosed its readiness to hunt the abductors of the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the Catholic priest was kidnapped along Aliyi community in Obollo community when his abductors struck on Tuesday night.
He was said to be returning to his parish from an assignment when the incident happened.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said machinery had been set in motion to rescue the priest and arrest the suspects.
Okoye said, “The CP has set up a high-powered investigation team to look into this matter for possible rescue of the Catholic priest and apprehension of the suspects.”
PUNCH Metro reports that the cleric was ordained on September 27, 2014, by the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe in Imo State.
However, the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement on Tuesday night, solicited prayers from the clergy and laity of the diocese over the priest’s abduction.
The statement, which was issued by very Rev Fr Princewill Iwuanyanwu, the chancellor/secretary of the diocese, solicited fervent prayers for the safety of the priest and his swift return to his parish.
The statement, which was sighted by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, titled, ‘Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers’, reads, “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev Fr Emmanuel Azubuike was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6 pm.
“Rev Fr Azubuike, who was ordained on September 27, 2014, is the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish, Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State.
“He was kidnapped along Aliyi community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while on his way back home from an assignment.
“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity.”
The councillor of Obollo ward, David Ajaero, who confirmed the kidnap of the priest to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, disclosed that the community was praying for his unconditional release.
Describing the priest as a very good man, Ajaero enjoined the public to pray for the safety of the priest.
