Kidnappers demand N20 million to free Imo catholic priest

Published

3 months ago

March 26, 2025

Kidnappers of Rev Fr John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, are demanding N20 million as ransom for the release of the clergyman.

Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru on Sunday evening while on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Imo.

His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev Fr Patrick Mbarah on Monday in Owerri, in a statement.

A source from the church, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday in Owerri, said the kidnappers had contacted some persons through whom they first demanded N50 million, before they reduced the amount.

“Most parishioners have been extremely worried about the safety of the priest since Fr John was kidnapped and his abductors are still keeping him up to today being Wednesday,’’ he said.

The source said, though there were conflicting reports on the kidnappers’ demand, nobody is sure if the demand is actually coming from the abductors.

“Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding N50 million, some N20 million and some N10 million, the fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, we keep praying for his safe release.

He also pleaded with the state government and security agencies to intervene and help rescue the priest, because he is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him,’’ he said.

Another parishioner, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, noted with regret that the abductor forced the priest to remove his cassock, forcing him out of his official vehicle before taking him away.

“We got information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock and took him out of his vehicle before they went off.

“Naval personnel at Izombe later recovered the vehicle,’’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the abductor to have a change of heart and release the priest.

Abia Government Confirms Herdsmen Attack In Umunneochi, Many Killed

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎The Abia State government has confirmed an attack by armed herdsmen in the Umunneochi local government area, resulting in several fatalities.
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‎The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who was silent on the casualty figures, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia.
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‎”There have been some security breaches in the Umunneochi area of the state, leading to some fatalities,”
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‎ Kanu said that the state security agencies had been put on full alert to address the security issue.
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Benue crisis barbaric, unacceptable — Deputy Speaker

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has condemned the brutal killings in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the attacks as barbaric, disturbing, and utterly unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kalu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the affected families and the government of Benue State. He called on security agencies to collaborate and take decisive action to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous crimes.

“I join Mr. President in calling on the security agencies to act swiftly and decisively. The recent incident in Yelewata, Benue State, is not only disturbing but deeply disheartening.

“The barbaric killing of members of the community is utterly unacceptable. I strongly condemn this wicked act carried out by unidentified individuals,” Kalu said.

He assured that the National Assembly would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. According to him, legislative intervention is critical in addressing the structural gaps in Nigeria’s security framework.

As part of that commitment, Kalu disclosed that the House Committee on Constitution Review had on Monday convened a dialogue on the country’s national security architecture.

He expressed optimism that the ongoing constitutional review process, particularly in relation to security and policing reforms, would enhance inter-agency cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, strengthen border security, and foster regional coordination for a unified national response to insecurity.

Kalu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls and urged all stakeholders to remain committed to addressing the root causes of the violence to prevent future tragedies.

Niger Flood: Over 700 still Missing, 207 confirmed dead — Gov Bago

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

More than 700 people are still missing after a recent flood swept through Mokwa community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, according to Governor Umaru Bago.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former chief security officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and his delegation in Minna, the state capital.

Governor Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, said the disaster had claimed many lives and left several families in pain.

“So far, 207 people have been confirmed dead and over 700 persons are still missing. We are yet to know where they are. The flooding has caused extensive damage to lives and property,” he said.

He added that more than 3,000 households were displaced by the flood, while about 400 houses were affected. Out of these, 283 homes and 50 shops were completely destroyed.

Governor Bago described the incident as a national tragedy and thanked individuals and organisations that had sent donations or supported victims.

He also said the state government was working with professional organisations to investigate the cause of the flood and was awaiting their assessment reports.

Maj. Al-Mustapha, who led the visiting delegation, said they were in the state to sympathise with the government and people of Niger State, especially those affected in Mokwa.