Catholic Community in Kaduna on Edge as Priest Kidnapped from Parish Residence

In a fresh blow to faith-based communities in Kaduna State, armed assailants have kidnapped a Catholic priest from his parish residence, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in the region.

According to a statement issued by the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema was abducted around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi, Kaduna State.

The Diocese chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine, in a circular to clergy and parishioners, described the news as deeply distressing and called on “men and women of goodwill” to pray for the priest’s safe and swift release.

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No information has yet emerged about the identity of the abductors, their motive, or their demands.

The police command in Kaduna has not responded to repeated requests for comment  a silence that only heightens public anxiety in the affected community.

Widening Pattern of Violence Against Clergy

This recent abduction comes against a troubling backdrop of repeated attacks on Christian clergy in Kaduna. Just months ago, on March 4, 2025, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan was kidnapped from his home in Tachira (Kaura LGA) and found murdered the following day.

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Earlier in April 2025, another priest, Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, was abducted from his residence but later released. Vanguard News

The trend has sown fear within the clergy and among congregations, with many describing priests as easy targets for ransom or worse.

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In reaction to earlier abductions, church leaders have lamented that “priests cannot stay in their rectories,” noting that the growing insecurity severely impedes pastoral work, community outreach, and even basic access to sacraments.

Appeal to Faithful, Authorities

In the notice announcing Fr. Ezema’s abduction, the Zaria Diocese urged the public to unite in prayer, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his safe return.

“May our brother and others return to us safe and sound,” the Diocese said.

As of now, there is no confirmation of ransom demands or any communication from the kidnappers.

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Meanwhile, the silence from law enforcement continues to fuel apprehension among parishioners, many of whom are refraining from routine church activities until the priest is freed.

The abduction of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema stands as a grim reminder of the precarious security situation for religious leaders in Kaduna.

Unless swift and decisive action is taken, such incidents may become more frequent  leaving communities in fear and clergy unable to minister freely.

“If you go out of your house, even in the daytime, until you come back, you are not safe anywhere,” a bishop reportedly said in an earlier lament over the mounting insecurity in the archdiocese.