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.

37-year-old woman, Linda Stephen, has approached a Kaduna Customary Court seeking a divorce from her husband, Felix Stephen, citing his excessive s3xual demands and alleged physical abuse.

In her petition, Linda, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, told the court that she could no longer cope with her husband’s constant need for s3x, which she described as unbearable.

“I urge the court to dissolve this marriage because I can’t stand his excessive sexual urge. He likes s3x too much, and I can’t bear it,” she said. She further alleged that Felix frequently subjected her to long hours of s3xual activity, even when she was in distress.

“Most times, he would have s3x with me from midnight till early hours of the morning. Even when I am crying, he will not stop.

“It has been three months since I moved out of his house. His relatives have been pleading with me to go back to him, but they do not know what I am facing,” she added.

Linda also accused her husband of resorting to violence whenever she refused his advances, stating that he had b3aten her in front of their two children.

In his defence, Felix admitted to his actions but pleaded with the court not to grant his wife’s request, expressing his willingness to change.

“I took my uncles and friends to her parents’ house to plead with her. But she refused to listen to us; instead, she walked out on us,” he said. He further begged the court for time to reconcile with his wife, assuring them that he was ready to control his s3xual urges.

Presiding over the case, Judge John Dauda adjourned the matter until May 6 to allow for reconciliation efforts, urging both parties to maintain peace in the meantime.

A woman was tragically killed in a train accident along the Gwagwa-Idu railway line in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday.
According to police sources, officers discovered the victim unconscious on the railway track behind Zeberced Company, with severe injuries consistent with a train accident.

“Upon receiving the report, our operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they found the woman with a crushed head and broken legs,” the source revealed.

The victim was swiftly moved to Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her death.

Her body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy.

Authorities are working to identify the deceased and locate her family.