Another Catholic priest in Imo State, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, has been kidnapped along Ejemekwuru/Ogbaku road by unknown gunmen.
His abduction has reportedly sparked tension in the area.
The priest identified as Owu Ujo, who performed the funeral rites for the father of one of his colleagues at the Izombo community in the Oguta LGA, was allegedly waylaid while returning to Owerri, the state’s capital, according to an eyewitness.
A source told Daily Post that the victim is the Man of Order and Discipline of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri.
According to a community source, who pleaded anonymity, Rev. Fr. Mathias Opara, also known as Owu Ujo, was abducted along the Ejemekwuru/Ogbaku Road along with others who were in the same car.
“The incident took place directly in front of us. In addition, we were returning to Owerri from the burial services for the father of a different Catholic priest in Izombo, Imo State’s Oguta Local Government Area,” the source said.
When contacted, Rev. Fr. Raymond Ogu, Director of Public Communications for the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, confirmed the development.
Jude Maduka, the Catholic priest in charge of the Christ the King Catholic Church at Ezinachi/Ugwuago in the state’s Okigwe Local Government Area, was kidnapped just last week, according to our source.
Rev. Fr. Michael Asomugha, the Catholic priest in charge of St. Paul’s church in Osu in the Isiala Mbano LGA, was also abducted.
