A fresh wave of fear has gripped Kaduna State following the abduction of Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema of the Zaria Diocese. The priest was taken late Tuesday night by unknown gunmen who stormed his residence at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi.
The Diocese of Zaria confirmed the incident in an official notice signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine. According to the statement, Fr. Ezema was kidnapped around 11:30 pm, a development that has sent shock waves across the parish and the wider Catholic community.
The Diocese appealed for prayers, urging Christians and people of goodwill to intercede for the safe release of the abducted priest and others currently in captivity. They also invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing hope for his swift and safe return.
This incident comes amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency on national security as cases of abductions, violent raids, and criminal attacks continue to surge in multiple states.
Fr. Ezema’s kidnapping adds to the growing number of clergy being targeted by armed groups, raising renewed concerns about the safety of religious leaders and worship centres across the country.
