Dennis Mark, the bishop of Owerri, as well as another cleric, were also said to have been abducted during the attack.
Geoffrey Ogbonna, Abia police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to TheCable.
“We have intensified effort mobilising all our tactical teams to ensure that the prelate and the other priests that are with him are rescued unhurt and for a possible arrest of the suspects,” Ogbonna said.
“We are calling on members of the public to help with credible information that will help us rescue the clerics.
In a recent attack which occurred in February, eight people were killed when gunmen invaded a cattle market in the state.
Months before the attack on the cattle market, Godfrey Chimezie, a Catholic priest, was abducted by gunmen.
The priest, however, regained his freedom after more than one week in captivity.