The Catholic community in Kaduna State is in shock following the abduction of Rev. Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest of the Zaria Catholic Diocese, who was kidnapped by armed assailants on Tuesday night.
The Diocese confirmed the incident in a statement released Wednesday, December 3, 2025, signed by Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine, the Diocesan Chancellor.
According to the notice, Father Ezema was taken from his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi, around 11:30 pm, igniting fear and anxiety among parishioners and the broader Christian community.
Describing the ordeal as deeply distressing, the Diocese called on Nigerians to pray for the priest’s safe return.
“We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema. We appeal to all men and women of goodwill to pray for his safe and swift release,” the statement read.
The Church also invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing hope that the priest would return unharmed.
Meanwhile, insecurity continues to grip other parts of the country.
In Kogi State, armed bandits who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA on Sunday, November 30, 2025, have reportedly contacted the family of Pastor Orlando, one of the abducted victims.
Sources close to the family told Sahara Reporters that the kidnappers are demanding a staggering ₦500 million ransom for the release of Pastor Orlando and an unconfirmed number of worshippers seized during the violent raid.
Although official negotiations are yet to be confirmed, security operatives are closely monitoring the situation.
The Kogi State Government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
In response, the state immediately launched air and ground operations to pursue the attackers and secure the victims.
Video footage circulating on social media showed a state-deployed helicopter and anti-kidnapping units actively combing the area.
Fanwo highlighted the challenges facing authorities, noting that Yagba West LGA’s border location, coupled with the isolation of some worship centres, has made them vulnerable to criminal activities.
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He also raised concerns about the potential complicity of local residents in enabling such attacks.
As families pray for the safety of their loved ones, the incidents underscore the urgent need for increased security measures around places of worship across Nigeria, particularly in isolated and border communities.
