Catholic Priest Abducted in Kaduna, Community in Panic

The Catholic community in Kaduna State has been plunged into distress following the abduction of Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest of the Zaria Diocese, who was forcefully taken by unknown gunmen late Tuesday night.

Dependable NG reports that the disturbing development was officially confirmed by the Diocese of Zaria on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine.

According to the statement, Fr. Ezema was kidnapped from his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi, around 11:30 pm, an incident that has sent shock waves across the parish and the broader Christian community.

The Diocese publicly announced the news, stating: “We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema… 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 invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing hope that the priest would “return to us safe and sound.”

The kidnapping takes place amidst a renewed spike in insecurity across Nigeria. This abduction adds to the alarming trend of clergy members being targeted by armed groups in recent months, raising fresh concerns over the safety and security of religious institutions in the country.