Police confirm abduction of Catholic priest, launch search operation in Imo

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The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo, Isiala Mbano Local Council.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Henry Okoye disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)yesterday that the command had initiated a “desperate search” to rescue the priest.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed a high-level team to investigate the incident, ensure the priest’s safe return, and apprehend those responsible.

Azubuike was reportedly abducted on Tuesday night while returning from an assignment in Ayayi Community, near Obollo.

The Chancellor and Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, also confirmed the abduction in a statement released in Owerri yesterday, calling on the faithful for prayers. “We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound,” the statement read.

The diocese has urged clergy and lay members alike to pray for the priest’s safety and quick release.