The news was confirmed in a release by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha dated May 16, 2024.

According to the statement, the kidnapping occurred on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2024, around 8 am along the Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass. His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, has called on all faithful and people of goodwill to pray fervently for the quick and safe release of Fr. Gbuzuo.

The Archdiocese is also intensifying efforts to secure the priest's freedom, placing their hopes on the "powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests." The statement, signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Prudentius E. Aroh, reads in part:

"With sadness, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Basil Gbuzuo. The sad incident occurred yesterday morning, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, along Eke Nkpor-Obosi bypass, about 8 am. He is a priest in residence at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Ogidi. Until now, the abductors have not established any contact with anyone. His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian M. Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, invites all Christ’s faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest as we intensify our efforts to ensure his freedom. We commend our brother, Fr. Basil, to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, for his speedy release from the hands of his kidnappers."

Meanwhile the police has confirmed the abduction of the clergy, while the kidnappers/gunmen are yet to get in touch with the church for their demand.