Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Catholic Diocese of Zaria has officially confirmed the abduction of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rumi, Kaduna State.
In a circular dated December 3, 2025, signed by the Diocese’s Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isak Augustine, the diocese disclosed that Fr. Ezema was abducted at approximately 11:30 p.m. on December 2, 2025, at his residence within the church premises.
“We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, in his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Rumi, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, around 11:30 pm,” the circular stated.
The diocese appealed to the public and faithful to join in prayer for the safety and swift release of Fr. Ezema, as well as other kidnapped individuals. It also invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, urging divine protection and a prompt rescue. “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. Through the intercession of our Lady, the mother of all priests and our mother, may our brother and others return to us safe and sound,” the statement added.
This incident adds to the growing security concerns in Nigeria, where kidnappings of priests and religious workers have increased significantly. Recently, Nigeria was designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the U.S. government, citing systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Notably, on November 18, Reverend Fr. Bobbo Pascal of St. Stephen’s Parish in Kushe Gugdu, Kaduna State, was kidnapped. The diocese confirmed that during that attack, a brother of Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero was killed, and several others were abducted. To date, there has been no news of their release.
Additionally, on October 28, 2025, Venerable Edwin Achi, who was in charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, was kidnapped along with his wife and children. Achi tragically died in captivity on November 26 after kidnappers demanded a ransom of N60 million.
The rising wave of kidnappings highlights the ongoing security challenges facing religious communities across Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for urgent government action and increased protection for faith-based groups.
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