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Local government

Kidnapping Spree in Kogi State: Clergymen and Citizens Cry Out for Help

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The past week has seen a surge in kidnapping activities in Kogi East senatorial district, with the latest victim being Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba, a priest from the St. Paul Catholic Parish in Olamaboro local government area. His abduction on September 13, 2025, has thrown the Catholic community into confusion, as his abductors remain uncontacted. This incident comes on the heels of another kidnapping on September 7, 2025, where Barr. A.B. Shaibu was kidnapped and later released after a ransom was paid. The Nigeria Bar Association, Idah Branch, has called on governments to take drastic steps to address the insecurity, particularly in Kogi East.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba, a priest from the St. Paul Catholic Parish, was kidnapped on September 13, 2025, in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi State.
  • He was abducted along with other commuters along Imane-Ogugu Road, and his abductors have yet to make contact to demand a ransom.
  • This is the second kidnapping in one week within the local government, following the kidnapping of Barr. A.B. Shaibu on September 7, 2025.
  • The Nigeria Bar Association, Idah Branch, has called on governments to address the security concerns in Kogi East, citing the recent surge in kidnapping activities.
  • The Association expresses sadness over the recent kidnapping of its member, A.B. Shuaib Esq., and frequent abductions along Okura-Ojapata, Ochadamu-Itobe-Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road, and Ikeje-Aloma Road.
  • Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, military, and Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch, have started combing the bushes and forests in the locality in the kidnappers' trail.

Statistics:

  • Two kidnappings have occurred in Olamaboro local government area in the past week.
  • The first kidnapping took place on September 7, 2025, where Barr. A.B. Shaibu was kidnapped and later released after a ransom was paid.
  • The second kidnapping occurred on September 13, 2025, where Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba and other commuters were abducted.
  • The kidnapping incident has thrown the Catholic community in the local government into confusion, as the abductors remain uncontacted.
  • Security agencies are actively searching for the kidnappers, but the latest situation report is not provided.

Sources:

  • The priest of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Ezemba, was kidnapped on September 13, 2025, in Imane in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi State (source: LEADERSHIP).
  • Another Catholic priest, Fr. Michael, expressed the community's confusion over the abductors' silence (source: LEADERSHIP).
  • The Nigeria Bar Association, Idah Branch, called on governments to address security concerns in Kogi East (source: LEADERSHIP).
  • The Chairman of the Branch, Barr. James Michael, expressed sadness over the recent surge in kidnapping activities (source: LEADERSHIP).

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