Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest In Kogi

The priest of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi State, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen at gunpoint.

The abduction reportedly took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Imane in Olamaboro local government area of the State.

Our correspondent learnt that the cleric may have been abducted along with other yet-to-be-identified commuters along Imane-Ogugu Road.

The incident has thrown the entire Catholic family in the local government into confusion as the kidnappers were yet to make contact with members of the church.

Another Catholic priest in the LGA, who simply identified himself as Fr. Michael, said, “We are confused because since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact to demand a ransom. But we are, however, confident that Almighty God will deliver him safely from the grip of the kidnappers.

“We believe strongly in the efficacy of our prayers, he will eventually regain his freedom.”

LEADERSHIP gathered that security agencies, comprising the Nigeria Police, military and Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW), have started combing the bushes and forests in the locality in the kidnappers’ trail.

The abduction is said to be the second kidnapping in one week within the local government.

“One Barr. A B Shaibu was kidnapped on 7-09-2025, Sunday evening, by gunmen between Etieke and Okugoh in the same local government. His family was said to have paid an unspecified amount of ransom before he was released to his family last Thursday,” a source told our correspondent.

When contacted, the spokesman of Kogi State Police Command, SP Williams Ovye Aya, promised to confirm and get back to our reporter.

“I’m yet to get the information. However, I will find out from our men on the ground in that local government and get back to you,” SP Aya said.

The abduction came barely two weeks after the Pastor of Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria (CEFN) Church, Pastor Friday Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel of the same Church were kidnapped shortly after church service on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Idah Branch has called on governments at all levels to take adequate steps to address security concerns, particularly, incessant kidnappings in the Kogi East senatorial district of the State.

Chairman of the Branch, Barr. James Michael expressed sadness over the recent surge in kidnapping activities, including the recent kidnapping of Shauibu who is a member of the Branch.

“We, the Nigerian Bar Association, Idah Branch, urgently call for drastic steps to address the alarming insecurity rate in Kogi East.

“Recent incidents, including the kidnapping of our member, A.B. Shuaib Esq, at Okugo in Olamaboro Local Government Area, and frequent abductions along Okura-Ojapata, Ochadamu-Itobe-Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road, and Ikeje-Aloma Road, underscore the dire need for enhanced security measures.

“It is expected that the government will hearken to the cry of concerned citizens to address the issue of recurrent kidnappings going on in Kogi State,” Michael said.