By Our correspondent
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Onyeka, has been abducted by gunmen in Anambra State, reigniting concerns over security in the state. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, February 13, 2025, along the Building Material–Ugwunwasike Bypass in Ogidi, despite recent efforts by security forces to combat criminal activities.
Fr. Onyeka, popularly known as Fr. Marshal, is a priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese. He previously served as the Parish Priest of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Nkpor, before his recent transfer to St. Dominic Catholic Church, Abatete, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, confirmed the abduction in a brief statement to the Onitsha Archdiocesan Presbyterium platform. He reported that the kidnappers have not yet established contact with the church or the victim’s family.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, has called for fervent prayers for Fr. Onyeka’s safe and swift release. He urged the faithful to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, as efforts continue to secure the priest’s freedom.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, stated that the authorities had not yet received formal reports of the incident.
This latest abduction comes amid intensified security operations in the state. The launch of Operation Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba troops had led to a crackdown on criminal syndicates and the dismantling of kidnappers’ hideouts, bringing temporary relief to residents. However, the resurgence of kidnappings raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the state.
