Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Imo Catholic Priest

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2025

The parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state, Rev’d Fr John Ubaechu, has been kidnapped.

The Catholic priest was abducted on Sunday evening along Ejemekwuru Road in the Oguta LGA.

A statement by the secretary, Archdiocesan Chancellor of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Rev’d Fr Patrick Mbamah, disclosed that the priest was kidnapped while on his way to the priests annual retreat.

The statement entitled, ” notification of kidnap and call for prayers”, urged all faithful in the Archdiocese and beyond to pray for quick and safe release of the priest.

Rev.Fr. Mbamah, in the press release, stated that he was directed to inform the Catholic community and members of the public that one of their priests, Rev Fr John Ubaechu, was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, 23 March, 2025.

“Rev Fr John Ubaechu is the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church Izombe.

“The sad incident occurred along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. He was kidnapped on his way to the priest’s annual retreat.

“We invite all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of our priest.

“We commend our brother, Rev Fr John Ubaechu to the powerful intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary mother of priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors.” the press release stated.

Reacting to the incident, one of his relatives and parishioner, Benedict Ihejirika, condemned the kidnap of the priest.

He said that the sad news of his abduction came as a shock to the parishioners.

“Yesterday evening kept me restless. Sleep left me through the nights. I joined my family in huge prayers from personal ones to church prayers as a Catholic.

“Our home was thrown into mourning because of the sad news. Since then, series of calls keep tripping in to ascertain the truth of the news,” Ihejirika stated.

He asserted that it bothers him to see men of God who give much in making consecration daily for the salvation of mankind will be treated in such a manner.

“A priest after the order of Melchizedek was taken away just like that. I have wondered how his condition has been all through the night.

“Almighty God, this is your fight. You can’t allow your church to be thrown into pandemonium. When the shepherd is held, the sheep will cry. Our Father and Maker, please, visit the place where our priest has been held, shatter the people holding him and release him to us in good health, Amen.” he prayed.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident as he disclosed that the command had started combining bushes for the rescue of the priest and possibly arrest of the suspects.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

8 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.