The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State, has called for prayers for the unconditional release of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, who was reportedly abducted nearly one week ago.
Igweagu, the priest in charge of St Joseph’s Parish Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area, was reportedly abducted on October 12, 2022 on his way home after celebrating a Funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi in Njikoka Local Government Area of the State.
The Church, through a statement by the Archdiocesan Chancellor of Catholics Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Emeja Aroh, prayed for the conversion of his abductors.
The statement, which was silent on whether any contact had been established with the abductors for ransom, however said the Church is not relenting in its efforts towards his release.
The statement reads:“It is with shock but strong faith in the love and protection of God that we announce to the Priests, religious, lay faithful of Onitsha Archdiocese and all men and women of goodwill, the abduction of our Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, the Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish, Abata, Nsugbe.
“Rev. Fr. Joseph was kidnapped while returning to his house after celebrating a funeral Vigil Mass at Umunnachi on Wednesday evening 12th October 2022.
“We solicit sincere prayer for his unconditional release from the hands of his abductors. The Archdiocese of Onitsha is doing everything possible to secure his freedom.
“While pray for the conversion of his abductors, we call on our Mother Mary, the undoer of knots, to intercede on his behalf so that he will be quickly released unhurt.”