Catholic priest abducted in Kaduna as insecurity escalates

A wave of anxiety has swept through the Catholic community in Kaduna following the kidnapping of Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest serving under the Zaria Diocese. Armed men reportedly stormed his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rumi late Tuesday night and took him away.

Church confirms incident

The Diocese of Zaria announced the abduction in a statement issued Wednesday by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine. According to the statement, the attackers struck around 11:30 pm while parishioners were already indoors.

The Diocese appealed to Nigerians to join in prayers for the priest’s release, urging authorities to act swiftly.
“We call on all believers and people of goodwill to pray for the safe and quick release of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema and others in captivity,” the notice read. The Church also expressed faith that he would “return to us safe and sound.”

Growing concern over attacks on clergy

The incident highlights a troubling trend. In recent years, Catholic priests and other religious leaders in Nigeria have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and criminal gangs. Security analysts say the attacks appear to be motivated by ransom demands and a disregard for sacred spaces that once offered protection.

National security crisis

According to recent reports from several national media outlets, including Daily Post, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on security as abductions, banditry and violent raids continue to spread across many regions.

Community leaders in Kaduna warn that the latest kidnapping reinforces the feeling that no one is safe, not even within places of worship. Calls are growing for security agencies to intensify operations and protect vulnerable communities.

Prayers and hope

As church members gather in vigil, many are holding onto hope that Rev. Fr. Ezema will soon regain his freedom. Residents say the incident has brought fear but also strengthened their unity.

Authorities have yet to release further details about the gunmen or efforts to track them. The Diocese has urged parishioners to remain calm as investigations continue.