Fr. Joseph serves as the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, located in Mgbaleze Isu, within the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
By Kalu Uche
The Catholic community in Ebonyi State expressed concern on Tuesday regarding the abduction of Very Reverend Fr. Joseph Azubuike, a priest from their community. The incident, which occurred in the State, involved unidentified individuals suspected to be armed gunmen.
Fr. Joseph serves as the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, located in Mgbaleze Isu, within the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to a press statement titled “Call for Prayers” issued by the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, specifically from the Office of the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, the victim was kidnapped alongside three other individuals.
The statement read in part: “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph
Azubuike was abducted yesterday Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.
“May Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us. Amen.”
