Olu Samuel

Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest,Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba of St Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro local government of Kogi State .

It is as gathered that the abduction took place last Saturday in Imane in Olamaboro local government Area.

It was immediately clear if the victim was alone when the incident happened or with others in an incident that has thrown the entire Catholic family in the local government into confusion as the kidnappers are yet to make contact with members of the church or family members.

A Rev. Father, in the Local Government area who simply identified himself as Fr. Michael, said “we are confused, 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” said

It was gathered that that security agencies comprising of Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW), Police and troops have been combing the bushes and forests in the locality in trial of the kidnappers.

The abduction of the Rev Father is said to be the second incident of kidnapping in one week within the same local government.

“One Bar A B Shaibu was Kidnapped on 7-09-2025 Sunday evening by Gun men between Etieke and Okugoh in the same local government. His family was said to have paid unspecified amount of ransom before he was released to his family last Thursday.

When contacted for confirmation, the Kogi State Police command spokesman SP Williams Ovye Aya promised to confirm and get back to our reporter.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association, 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, especially in Kogi East.

Chairman of the Branch, James Michael, Esq expressed sadness over the recent increase of 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