Reverend Father John Ubaechu, who was kidnapped in Imo State on the same route a fellow priest was abducted in 2023, has regained freedom.

He regained freedom on Wednesday, three days after he was kidnapped on his way to an annual retreat for Catholic priests.

FIJ earlier reported that Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Imo, was abducted on Sunday evening along Ejemekwuru Road.

READ MORE: Catholic Priest Kidnapped on Same Imo Route Colleague Was Abducted in 2023

While announcing the update via a statement, the Archdiocese of Owerri wrote: “I am directed to inform you that our priest, Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu who was kidnapped on Sunday, 23 March, 2025, has been released. He regained his freedom from his abductors today, 26 March 2025.

“We thank God for his infinite mercy and for answering our prayers. We appreciate your fraternal solidarity and prayers. To God be the Glory.”

READ ALSO: Edo Catholic Priest Regains Freedom 10 Days After Abduction

In May 2023, Mathias Opara, another Catholic priest, was kidnapped on the same route where Ubaechu was kidnapped. Opara was returning from a funeral when he was kidnapped along the Ejemekwuru-Ogbaku road.