Catholic Priest Abducted by Gunmen in Kogi

Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba of St Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efabo in Olamaboro Local Government of Kogi State has been kidnapped at gunpoint by unknown gunmen.

The abduction reportedly took place last Saturday in Imane in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
The Guardian learnt that the Rev Father may have been abducted along with other yet to be identified commuters along Imane-Ogugu road.

The incident has thrown the entire Catholic family in the local government into confusion. “Our confusion is high because, since his abduction three days ago, his abductors have not made any contact to demand 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 Fr. Michael.

Spearnews learnt that security agencies comprising Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW), police, and troops have been combing the bushes and forests in the area in search 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 September 7 by gunmen between Etieke and Okugoh in the same local government. His family paid the ransom before he was released to his family last Thursday.

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When contacted for confirmation, the phone line of the Kogi State Police command spokesman, SP Williams Ovye, was not accessible at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association, Idah Branch, has called on the 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 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.