A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba of St Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efab, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State has been kidnapped.
The cleric was kidnapped on Imane-Agaliga road in the evening of Friday, September 12, 2025.
Sources said Rev. Father Ezemba may have been kidnapped along with others yet to be identified commuters along the Imane-Ogugu road.
His kidnap is causing serious concern and confusion among the members of his parish.
“Our confusion is high because since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact to demand for ransom.
“But we are however, confident, that Almighty God will deliver him safely from the grip of the kidnappers.
“We believe strongly in the efficacy of our prayers, he will eventually regain his freedom,” one of his congregation member, Fr. Michael said.
However, security personnel from the Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW), Police and troops have been combing the bushes and forests in the locality in search of the victims.
The abduction of the Rev Father is said to be the second incident of kidnapping in one week within the same local government.
“One Barrister AB Shaibu was Kidnapped Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, by gunmen between Etieke and Okugoh within the same local government.
“His family paid the ransom before he was eventually released last Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Idah branch has called on government at all levels to take adequate steps to address security concerns, particularly, the issue of incessant kidnappings going on in Kogi State.
Chairman of the branch, James Michael Esq, expressed sadness over recent increase in kidnapping activities in Kogi State, including the recent kidnapping of a lawyer, A.B Shauib, Esq., who is a member of the Branch.
“We, the Nigerian Bar Association, Idah branch, urgently call for drastic steps to address the alarming rate of insecurity in Kogi East.
“Recent incidents, including the kidnapping of our member, A.B. Shuaib Esq, at Okugo in Olamaboro Local Government Area, and frequent abductions along 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,” said Barr Michael.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, only on Saturday strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area, describing it as a brutal attack on the peace and humanity of Kogi State.
Ododo represented by the Deputy Governor, said the state mourns the loss of the gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Vigilante Service who paid the supreme price while defending the people.
“Their blood will not be shed in vain.
“We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the Governor said.
He assured that his administration will intensify collaboration with security agencies, improve community policing, and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure every part of the state.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
