The wave of insecurity in Nigeria took another distressing turn as gunmen suspected to be bandits abducted a Catholic priest from his residence in Kaduna State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has sparked widespread concern among religious leaders, local residents, and security stakeholders across the region.
The abducted cleric, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ukeh, was taken from the rectory of St. Thomas Catholic Church, located in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, a region that has seen repeated attacks by armed groups over the past few years. The brazen nature of the attack has once again highlighted the worsening security challenges in the state and the vulnerability of both religious leaders and citizens alike.
Attackers Storm Residence in Early Morning Raid
According to sources within the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, the kidnappers stormed the residence of Rev. Fr. Ukeh at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The assailants reportedly gained access to the premises without raising immediate suspicion and whisked the priest away at gunpoint.
The Church confirmed the abduction in a statement released later in the day, expressing deep sorrow over the incident and calling on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the safe release of the priest.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the abduction of our beloved brother and priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ukeh, who was taken by armed men from his residence in the early hours of this morning,” the statement read. “We request earnest prayers for his safety and quick release, and we call on the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to locate and rescue him.”
Growing Fear Among Religious Leaders
The kidnapping of Fr. Ukeh is the latest in a troubling series of attacks targeting clergy and religious figures across Nigeria, particularly in the northern and middle-belt regions. In recent years, priests, pastors, and imams have been abducted for ransom, sometimes resulting in tragic deaths, further fueling anxiety among religious communities.
In an interview with journalists, a fellow priest who asked not to be named said, “We are living in fear. If a man of God can be taken right from his home, who is safe? The government must rise to its responsibility to protect the lives of all Nigerians.”
Residents of Zango-Kataf have echoed similar concerns, noting that the area has suffered multiple attacks by armed groups, often without sufficient security presence or response.
Local Government, Diocese Seek Government Intervention
Following the abduction, local authorities and Church officials reached out to the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate action. Community leaders in Zango-Kataf also appealed for greater security deployment in the area to forestall future incidents.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government, Mr. Francis Sani, condemned the attack and called for coordinated efforts to rescue the abducted priest and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“This act is barbaric and unacceptable. Our people deserve to live in peace. We urge the government at all levels to provide adequate security infrastructure and intelligence support to our communities,” Sani said.
He added that the local council was working closely with the military and police to track the kidnappers’ movements and secure the priest’s release.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Reacts
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also weighed in on the incident, describing the abduction as an attack on religious freedom and a threat to national unity. The Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Rev. John Hayab, lamented that religious leaders had become prime targets for criminal gangs and insurgent elements seeking ransom or to instill fear.
“The continued attacks on churches and the abduction of clerics cannot be overlooked. The government must step up its game. Our security architecture must be reviewed to meet the current realities of these threats,” Hayab said.
He urged Christians across the country to remain prayerful, while also demanding accountability and action from political leaders.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives from the Nigerian Police Force, local vigilante groups, and members of the Nigerian Army were reportedly combing parts of southern Kaduna in a joint operation aimed at rescuing Fr. Ukeh. Intelligence sources suggest that the bandits may have moved the priest deep into the forested areas bordering Kaduna and neighboring Plateau State.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that efforts were ongoing but declined to provide specific details to avoid compromising the operation.
“We are actively following leads and deploying all resources at our disposal to ensure the safe return of the priest,” the officer said.
Calls for Broader Security Reform
The abduction of Fr. Ukeh has reignited debate on the effectiveness of the current security measures in Nigeria, particularly in the north-central region. Civil society groups, religious institutions, and concerned citizens are once again calling for a holistic overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
Many are urging the federal government to invest more in community policing, enhance rural security presence, and establish stronger collaboration between the military and local intelligence networks.
As one community elder put it, “We cannot continue to live under the shadow of fear. Our villages are becoming unsafe, and even our places of worship are no longer sacred. This must end.”
Conclusion
The abduction of Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ukeh has cast a fresh spotlight on the fragility of security in parts of Nigeria and the urgent need for action. As the Church and local community await news of his release, the incident stands as yet another stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity that threatens the fabric of society. For now, the faithful continue to pray, and the nation watches closely, hoping for a safe return and a turn toward lasting peace.
