Lokoja: A Catholic priest, Father Wilfred Ezemba, has been kidnapped in Kogi State, Nigeria, along with several other travelers in a fresh incident of armed abduction that underscores the worsening insecurity in the region.

According to reports, the incident took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, along the road between Imane and Ogugu in Olamaboro Local Government Area. Father Ezemba, the parish priest of St. Paul’s Parish in Agaliga-Efabo, was traveling with others when armed men intercepted their vehicle and abducted them. The exact number of victims remains unconfirmed, as witnesses have indicated that additional commuters were also taken.

Security forces have since launched search operations in the forested areas surrounding the route where the kidnapping occurred. Authorities have not released any information regarding ransom demands or the identity of the kidnappers, leaving the motives behind the attack unclear.

The Catholic Diocese of Idah, under which Father Ezemba’s parish falls, has not yet issued a public statement, though local church officials have expressed deep concern over the abduction.

This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where priests and other religious figures have increasingly become targets for kidnapping, often for ransom. The rise in such attacks has fueled growing fears among Christian communities and travelers in states plagued by insecurity.

Kogi State, located in central Nigeria, has witnessed several abductions in recent years, particularly along its highways and rural roads, where armed groups frequently ambush travelers. While some kidnap victims are eventually released, others have faced tragic outcomes.

As of now, the whereabouts and safety of Father Ezemba and the other abducted travelers remain unknown. Security forces continue their operations while the faithful in the region have been urged to pray for the safe release of the priest and his companions.