By Paschal Norbert
ABUJA, MARCH 11, 2025 (CISA) – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has released statistics highlighting the alarming rise in the abduction and murder of Catholic priests over the last decade (2015-2025). The figures paint a distressing picture of insecurity across the country, with clergy members and faithful increasingly targeted by criminal and militia groups.
Summary of the Kidnappings
Across multiple dioceses, a total of 63 priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria within this period. While some were released, others faced brutal killings, highlighting the dangers faced by Catholic religious leaders.
Priests Kidnapped and Released
A total of 51 priests were kidnapped and later released safely. These incidents occurred in archdioceses and dioceses such as Kaduna, Benin City, Minna, Otukpo, Warri, Pankshin, Idah, Yola, Lafia, Isele-Uku, Wukari, Sokoto, and Kafanchan, among others.
Priests Kidnapped and Killed
Tragically, 12 priests lost their lives after being abducted. Among them:
- Archdiocese of Kaduna: 4 priests
- Minna Diocese: 2 priests
- Sokoto Diocese: 2 clergy members, including a seminarian
- Warri Diocese: 1 priest
- Otupko Diocese: 1 priest
- Kafanchan Diocese: 2 priests
Number of Dioceses Affected
The kidnappings have impacted at least 15 dioceses, indicating a nationwide security crisis affecting not only religious figures but also the wider community.
Why Are Clergy and Faithful Targets?
Many of the dioceses listed in the statistics are mostly in Northern Nigeria. Many of the affected dioceses, such as Kaduna, Minna, Sokoto, Kafanchan, Lafia, Yola, Zaria, and Wukari, are located in the northern and central regions of the country. These areas are known for security challenges, including banditry, extremist insurgencies, and religious extremists – associated with Islam, and communal conflicts, which have made clergy and religious institutions vulnerable to attacks.
Northern Nigeria, particularly the Middle Belt region, has seen increased violence due to a combination of religious extremism, ethnic tensions, and weak law enforcement. Catholic priests and churches often become targets, either for ransom demands or as part of wider attacks on Christian communities.
The statistics released by the CBCN reveal a troubling trend of clergy members being targeted across Nigeria. While many have regained their freedom, the increasing number of priests who do not survive these ordeals calls for urgent intervention from both the government and security agencies. The Catholic Church continues to call for peace and justice, urging authorities to protect religious leaders and the faithful from the escalating violence.
