Worshippers Resort To Prayers As Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest In Kogi

Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba of St Paul Catholic Church in Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi State has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen.

He was abducted last Saturday in Imane with other yet-to-be-identified commuters on Imane-Ogugu Road.

The incident has thrown the Catholic family in the council into confusion as the kidnappers have yet to contact the church.

A priest in the area who simply identified himself as Fr. Michael, said, “We are confused; since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact or demanded ransom. We are, however, confident that Almighty God will rescue 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, including Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW), Police, and troops, have been combing the bushes for the kidnappers.

The abduction of the priest is said to be the second incident in one week within the council. One Barr A. B. Shaibu was kidnapped on Sunday (September 7, 2025) 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 last Thursday.

When contacted for confirmation, the state police command’s spokesperson SP Williams Ovye Aya promised to get back to our correspondent.

“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,” Aya said

Two weeks ago, a pastor of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria (CEFN) Church, Friday Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel of the same church were kidnapped after a Sunday service in Kogi East.

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

The branch chairman, James Michael, expressed sadness over the increase in kidnapping activities in Kogi State, including the recent abduction of a lawyer, A.B. Shauib, who is a member of the chapter.

He said, “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 at Okugo in Olamaboro local government area and frequent abductions on 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,” Michae said.