17 Clerics Abducted In Kogi, Delta In 3 Years

No fewer than 17 Christian and Islamic clerics have been abducted by gunmen in Kogi and Delta States in the last three years, raising concerns over the security of religious leaders and worshippers.

Among the victims was Sheikh Quasim Musa, the Chief Imam of Iyara, who was abducted from his residence at Ilukpa, Iyara, in Ijumu local government area, on March 25, 2024.

In another incident, Pastor Orlando, his wife and other family members were abducted when gunmen invaded a church service in Ejiba, Yagba West local government area.

Pastor Friday Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel of the CEFN Church were also reportedly abducted in Kogi State in September 2025, shortly after a church service.

Similarly, a Catholic priest, Barrister A. B. Shaibu, was kidnapped on September 7, 2025, while pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) were reportedly abducted in separate incidents in April 2026.

In the latest reported incident, six clerics were abducted during a prayer meeting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on September 14, 2026 bringing the total of reported cases of kidnapping in the last three years in the state to 12.
In Delta State, five Christian clerics were abducted, four were rescued and one was killed within the past three years.

The pastor of one of the parishes of Celestial Church of Christ, Ibusa near Asaba was shot dead by suspected herdsmen.

Report from the area said the cleric had gone to farm with his family members from where they were taken away.

The wife and children were said to have, however, been released by the hoodlums who also warned them to go and get an unspecified ransom for the release of the cleric and his friend.

A Catholic priest of the Sacred Heart Parish, Obomkpa in Delta State, Reverend Andrew Anah, was also kidnapped.

He was abducted twice around Obomkpa/Ukwu-Nzu and now Olona Axis of Aniocha North LGA.

Gunmen also kidnapped Harrison Prhinyovaw, the priest in charge of St. John’s Catholic Church, Obinomba in Ukwuani LGA of Delta state.

He was abducted in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA of the state.

Suspected herdsmen also kidnapped an Anglican priest at Issele-Mkpitime in the Aniocha North LGA of Delta, Rev. Anthony Oyi of Oko Agbele Quarters, along with his wife and children while working in their farm.

The kidnappers later released the priest’s wife and children but held back the priest and another victim, a man in their custody.

The diocesan spokesperson, Rev Fr Charles Uganwa, said any Priest abducted only needs prayers for safety release, insisting the church would never pay ransom.

However, in Oyo State, o ver the past three years (2023–2026), official and comprehensive statistics tracking exact numbers of Christian and Islamic clerics abducted independently in Oyo State are not formally maintained or published by state security agencies.

However, notable documented incidents involving clerics included that of April 2024 where Pastor Olugbenga Olawore of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and 14 others were abducted along the Maya axis of the Lanlate-Eruwa Road in Oyo State before later regaining their freedom.

Also, in May 2026, in a mass attack on schools in Oriire local government area of Oyo State, 46 pupils and teachers were taken. John Olaleye identified as an abducted teacher and pastor was killed while in captivity alongside a colleague, Michael Oyedokun.

The Police, DSS in collaboration with other security agencies successfully rescued the remaining 40 to 44 victims without ransom.