Gunmen abduct Catholic priest amidst security crackdown in Anambra

Gunmen have abducted the Catholic Priest in charge of St Dominic Parish, Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra state, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka.

Onyeka, it was learnt, was kidnapped on February 13, 2025 along Building Material- Ugwunwasike Bypass, Ogidi, Idemil North LGA.

The kidnapping incident occurred amidst the crackdown on criminals by Operation Udo Ga-Chi security outfit launched late January by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in an effort to checkmate insecurity.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, who disclosed this a statement, noted that the abductors were yet to establish contact with neither the Archdiocese nor Onyeka’s immediate family.

“With sadness, we write to inform you of the kidnap of one of us, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka, the Parish Priest of St. Dominic Catholic Church, Abatete. The sad incident occurred yesterday evening, Thursday, 13th February 2025 along Building Material- Ugwunwasike Bypass. Until now, the abductors have not established any contact with anybody.

“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,” he added.

However, when contacted for confirmation, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident had not yet been brought to his attention.