The Catholic community in Kaduna State has been thrown into panic following the abduction of Rev. Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest of the Zaria Catholic Diocese, who was whisked away by armed men on Tuesday night.
The Diocese confirmed the incident in an official notice on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine.
According to the statement, the priest was kidnapped around 11:30 pm from his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi, a development that has sparked anxiety among parishioners and the wider Christian community.
The Church described the incident as distressing, calling on Nigerians to join in prayers for his release.
“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 Diocese said.
The statement added that the Church was invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing hope that the priest would “return to us safe and sound.”
Meanwhile, armed bandits who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, have reportedly reached out to the family of the abducted pastor, Pastor Orlando.
Sources close to the family disclosed to Sahara Reporters that the kidnappers are demanding a massive ₦500 million ransom for the safe release of the pastor and the unconfirmed number of worshippers seized during the violent raid.
Authorities are yet to confirm any official negotiations, but security operatives are reportedly monitoring the situation.
Recall that the Kogi State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
Immediately following the attack, the state government launched an extensive aerial and ground security operation to pursue the attackers and secure the victims’ release.
Video footage circulating on social media showed a state-deployed helicopter and an anti-kidnapping unit actively combing the area.
In his statement, Fanwo noted that the state government and the Yagba West Local Government Area, being a border LGA, have been making concerted efforts to combat criminal activities.
He also expressed frustration over the possible complicity of local residents and the vulnerability of isolated worship centres.
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