The Catholic Diocese of Zaria has been thrown into disarray following the late-night abduction of one of its priests, Reverend Father Emmanuel Ezema, by unknown gunmen.
The kidnapping, confirmed early Wednesday, occurred at the priest’s residence in Rumi, raising fresh alarms over escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
The Diocese of Zaria, through an official notice signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Isek Augustine, confirmed that Fr. Ezema was seized from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rumi, at approximately 11:30 pm on Tuesday.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Christian community.
“We regret to officially announce the abduction of our priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema,” the Diocese stated, urging immediate action and solidarity.
“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 statement concluded with an invocation for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, expressing profound hope for the priest’s safe return.
This incident underscores a grim trend: the renewed surge of insecurity across various Nigerian states, despite the national state of emergency on security declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fr. Ezema’s abduction adds to a distressing list of clergy members recently targeted by armed criminal groups, further intensifying concerns about the safety and protection of religious institutions nationwide.
