Kogi: Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest, Rev Fr Ezemba, Others

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable apprehension and anxiety have gripped the Catholic Church in Kogi State following the reported kidnap of one  its Clerics.

The Source reports that Rev Fr Wilfred Ezemba of the St Paul Parish Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro Local Council abducted by gunmen while on transit along Imane-Ogugu Road on Saturday September 13, 2025.

He is believed to have been kidnapped together with some other occupants of a commercial vehicle while returning home from an assignment.

The Catholic family in Imane ,as well as the entire Olamaboro Local Council have been thrown into a state of uncertainty and apprehension over the safety of the Rev Fr Ezemba owing to the inability of his captors to establish contact either with the Church or family members since the incident.

“Our concern and anxiety are high because since his abduction, three days ago, his captors have not made any contact either to demand for ransom or any other things.

“But we are confident that the Almighty God will deliver him safely from the grip of his abductors. We believe strongly in the efficacy of our prayers.  He will eventually regain his freedom”, one of his colleagues, Rev Fr Michael volunteered.

Although no official statement has been issued  by the police  concerning the incident, there are strong indications that security operatives, including local groups, have been engaged in concerted efforts to rescue Rev Fr Ezemba ,and others involved.

Like most parts of Kogi state, Olamaboro Local Council is one of the areas that have been hit by an orgy of violent attacks, killings and abductions of unsuspecting residents including security personnel in recent times.

However, Yagba West and East Local Government Councils in Okun area of the State remain the epicentre of the criminal activities.