The data from the last ten years was collected by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and compiled into a recently released report.
Newsroom (03/04/2025 Gaudium Press) The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria recently released a report analyzing priest abductions between 2015 and 2025, highlighting concerning trends and regions with the highest risks for clergy in Nigeria. With a total of 145 priests abducted over the last decade, the data brings to light the security concerns faced by Catholic clergy in the country.
Priest Abductions in Nigeria: A Decade in Review
According to the report, 145 Catholic priests were abducted in Nigeria during the past ten years. Tragically, 11 of these priests lost their lives, while four remain missing. The rest were safely released after enduring traumatic experiences. These findings underline the persistent danger faced by the clergy, particularly in certain regions.
Regions with the Highest Risk for Catholic Clergy
Owerri, located in southern Nigeria, stands out as the region with the highest risk for the clergy. During the decade, 47 abduction cases were reported, though most priests were released unharmed, except for two who tragically did not make it out safely.
Following Owerri, Onitsha in the southern part of the country recorded 30 cases, with one fatality. Kaduna, in the northwest, also had a high number of abductions, with 24 priests kidnapped, seven of whom were killed.
The Link Between Terrorism and Priest Abductions
The province of Kaduna saw the most priest deaths, a grim statistic likely connected to the growing presence of terrorist groups in the area. Fides Agency reports that kidnappings in this region often end in fatalities, hinting at the terrorists’ political motives and their reluctance to negotiate ransoms.
Other regions that recorded high death tolls include Abuja (two priests killed), Benin (one priest killed), and Onitsha (one priest killed). Additionally, several priests remain missing, with Kaduna, Benin, and Owerri being the regions with the highest number of missing priests.
Low-Risk Provinces for Clergy Safety
On a more positive note, there are regions that have proven to be safer for the clergy. Ibadan recorded only two abduction cases, with both priests released unharmed. Similarly, Calabar reported four cases with all priests freed, and Lagos recorded no priest abductions, likely due to the increased police presence in the region, which also benefits from urban security measures and lower levels of religious militancy.
While certain regions remain at high risk for Catholic priest abduction in Nigeria, efforts to enhance security and improve law enforcement presence could offer some protection for the clergy. As the Church continues to navigate these challenges, the safety of priests remains a central concern for the Catholic community in Nigeria.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
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