Catholic Priest Abducted in Northern Nigeria as Christian Kidnappings Surge

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ABUJA (Worthy News) – A Catholic priest remained missing in northern Nigeria Thursday after being abducted from his residence in Kaduna State, Worthy News learned.

Emmanuel Ezema was taken late on Tuesday, around 11:30 p.m. local time, from St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rumi, said the Catholic Diocese of Zaria. It did not specify whether the kidnappers had made contact or demanded ransom.

Kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, especially in the northwest, where Islamist militants and armed gangs frequently target clergy, other Christians, travellers, and villagers.

Christians were urged to pray in unison and support the priest’s safe return. “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… may our brother and others return to us safe and sound,” added the Catholic Diocese of Zaria.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

SEVERAL RECENT ABDUCTIONS TARGET CLERGY

Priest Ezema’s kidnapping follows a pattern of attacks on Christian leaders in northern Nigeria. In October, gunmen abducted Basil Gbuzuo, a priest in Anambra State, before releasing him days later.

Earlier in August, another priest, Paul Sanusi, was taken in Ekiti State, prompting widespread protests among parishioners, Christians recalled.

Additionally, Protestant pastors were seized this year in Kaduna and Niger States, with some released only after heavy ransoms were paid, while others were killed.

Security analysts warn that clergy are increasingly targeted because churches are perceived as ransom-paying institutions.

Nigeria ranks 6th on the Open Doors World Watch List 2025, which identifies the countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.

THOUSANDS OF CHRISTIANS KILLED

The African nation records more Christian killings than any other country in the world, and thousands of believers have been kidnapped in recent years, according to several church sources.

Armed Islamic groups—including Fulani militants, bandits, and factions linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)—have been involved in many attacks.

These groups continue to operate with near impunity across large parts of Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Plateau States.

The Catholic Diocese of Zaria urged the faithful to continue praying for Ezema’s safe return.

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