The Catholic community in Kaduna State has been thrown into deep fear and confusion following the abduction of Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest serving under the Catholic Diocese of Zaria. Armed men kidnapped the priest late Tuesday night, creating yet another wave of concern over the rising insecurity affecting many parts of the country.
The incident happened around 11:30 pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, located in Rumi, a community within Kaduna State. According to the Diocese of Zaria, the priest was taken from his residence by unknown gunmen who stormed the area under the cover of darkness. The news of the abduction sent shock waves across the parish, with many parishioners waking up on Wednesday morning to the troubling development.
The Diocese confirmed the kidnapping in an official notice issued on Wednesday and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Isek Augustine. The statement described the abduction as a painful and distressing event for the Church, adding that the entire Catholic family in the diocese is deeply worried about the priest’s safety.
“We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema,” the statement read. “We call on all men and women of goodwill to pray for the safe and quick release of our priest and others from the hands of their abductors.”
The Church also called on the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for the safe return of the priest. The Diocese expressed strong hope that Fr. Ezema would be reunited with his community “safe and sound,” even as they appealed to security agencies to act swiftly.
Kaduna State has remained one of the hotbeds of kidnapping and armed attacks in northern Nigeria over the past few years. Many communities continue to experience raids by bandits and other criminal groups who target villagers, travelers, and sometimes religious leaders. The abduction of Fr. Ezema fits into a disturbing pattern where clergymen have increasingly become targets for kidnappers, who often demand ransom from churches or family members.
Residents of Rumi community say the attack on the priest’s residence was sudden and frightening. According to locals, the gunmen operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, further highlighting the weakness of security structures in remote communities. Several parishioners gathered at the church compound on Wednesday morning, praying and discussing the shocking event. Many said they could not sleep after receiving the news.
One parishioner, who preferred not to be named, said the priest was known for his humility and dedication to serving the community. “This is painful for us. Father Ezema is a peaceful man who has been doing his best to support the church and the community. We are praying that he comes back alive,” the parishioner said.
The kidnapping comes at a time when insecurity is once again rising across Nigeria, despite several attempts by security agencies and the federal government to curb the menace. Kidnapping for ransom, bandit attacks, and violent raids have continued to spread across many states, leaving citizens worried about their safety.
Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on national security following multiple reports of escalating criminal activity. Under the emergency measures, security agencies were directed to intensify operations to reclaim areas under the control of violent groups. However, many Nigerians say the efforts have not yet translated into peace on the ground.
Over the past decade, Nigeria has struggled to contain various forms of insecurity. In the North-West and parts of the North-Central, banditry and mass kidnapping have become major threats. In the North-East, insurgency remains an issue, while other regions of the country face different forms of violent crime. These challenges have placed enormous pressure on government institutions and security forces.
Fr. Ezema’s abduction adds to the growing list of priests and pastors kidnapped in Nigeria in recent months. Kidnappers often see members of the clergy as easy targets because of their influence within communities. Some gangs believe churches will raise funds quickly if a religious leader is abducted. As a result, priests, pastors, and imams have found themselves increasingly vulnerable.
In recent years, the Catholic Church has raised several alarms over the targeting of its clergy. Many dioceses across the country have organized prayer sessions, peaceful protests, and public appeals to the government to protect religious leaders and places of worship. Some priests have lost their lives in captivity, while others were freed after days or weeks of negotiations.
The Diocese of Zaria, in its statement, called on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue Fr. Ezema without delay. The Church noted that the increasing insecurity is affecting not only Christians but Nigerians of all backgrounds. The Diocese urged the government to take stronger measures to protect citizens and rebuild public confidence.
Community leaders in Kaduna have also expressed concern, saying the government must act quickly to prevent more tragedies. Many of them point out that kidnapping has become a major threat to education, farming, religious activities, and daily life.
Kaduna State officials have repeatedly promised to improve security in the region, but attacks continue to occur, often catching residents off guard. Several communities no longer move freely at night, and many families now avoid long-distance travel unless necessary.
While waiting for updates from the authorities, the Catholic community in Zaria Diocese has begun prayer sessions for the safe return of the kidnapped priest. Parishioners are gathering in groups to say the Rosary and pray for Divine intervention. Many believe that prayer is their strongest weapon in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Church leaders have encouraged members to remain calm and trust in God during this difficult time. They have also asked the public to avoid spreading false information, saying that accurate updates will be shared once available.
