BREAKING: Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Kaduna

The Catholic community in Kaduna has been thrown into deep anxiety following the abduction of Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest of the Zaria Diocese, who was taken by unknown gunmen late on Tuesday night. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and fear, especially among parishioners and local residents who have continued to grapple with recurring cases of insecurity.

The Diocese of Zaria confirmed the troubling development on Wednesday through an official statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine. The Church described the abduction as a devastating blow to the community and a painful reminder of the deteriorating security situation across the region.

According to the statement, Fr. Ezema was kidnapped around 11:30 p.m. from his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rumi, a location previously considered relatively safe. Eyewitnesses reported heightened tension in the area immediately after the incident, with many residents remaining indoors out of fear.

“We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Reverend Father 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 Diocese wrote. The Church further called for unity, urging Nigerians to support efforts aimed at combating rising criminal activity.

The Diocese also invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing unwavering faith that the abducted priest would return safely. Prayer vigils have since intensified across parishes in the Zaria Diocese, with community members gathering to intercede for the priest’s rescue and for peace in the region.

Fr. Ezema’s abduction adds to the expanding list of clergy who have been targeted by armed groups in recent months. The increasing trend has raised fresh concerns about the safety of religious institutions nationwide and the urgent need for strengthened security around places of worship.

As of the time of this report, security agencies have not released further information regarding the incident, and the abductors have yet to establish contact. The community remains on edge, hoping for swift action from authorities and the safe return of the kidnapped priest.