Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Onitsha

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

While residents of Anambra were beginning to heave sighs of relief following the crackdown on criminal syndicates and the dismantling of kidnappers’ dens by the recently launched Operation Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba troops, kidnappers have struck again, abducting a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka.

Onyeka, a priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese popularly known as Fr. Marshal, was formerly the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Nkpor, before his recent transfer to St. Dominic Catholic Church, Abatete, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, broke the news in a terse statement sent to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium platform, stating that the incident occurred on Thursday evening, 13th February 2025, along the Building Material–Ugwunwasike Bypass, Ogidi.

He further noted that, as of now, the abductors have not established any contact.

“His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, invites us to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as all efforts are being made to secure his freedom. We commend our brother, Fr. Jude, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his abductors,” the Chancellor stated.

When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Toochi, said the incident had not yet been brought to his attention.

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