Robbers Steal Holy Communion Materials from Imo Church

On April 29, 2026, St. Mulumba Parish located on Wether Road in Owerri, Imo State, was raided by robbers who stole holy communion materials, specifically a monstrance containing the blessed sacrament.

The theft was disclosed by Rev. Fr.

Patrick C. Mbarah, the chancellor of the Owerri Archdiocese, in a letter addressed to priests and religious laity in the archdiocese.

The robbers gained access by opening a part of the roof during rainfall in the early hours of the day. In response to this desecration, the Archbishop of Owerri, Rev.

Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, directed parishioners to observe a week of prayer for reparation from May 1 to May 8, 2026, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to established norms regarding the exposition of the blessed sacrament to prevent future occurrences. The archbishop expressed great sadness over the incident and reminded the clergy to ensure the blessed sacrament is not left unattended during exposition.