Nigeria’s Catholic Priests “an endangered species”: Catholic Bishop Decries Surge in Abductions of Clergy

Abuja, 02 June, 2025 / 10:25 PM

Bishop David Ajang of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Lafia has condemned the growing trend of abductions and killings targeting the Catholic Clergy in the country.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a Thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the 59th World Day of Social Communications Day (WCD) 2025, Bishop Ajang said the Catholic Priests in the West African nation are exposed to insecurity. 

“Priests in Nigeria have become an endangered species because of the state of insecurity in the country. Most of those who kidnap Priests do so not because they are targeting the faith, but because of the economic situation,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACI Africa on Sunday, June 1.

He added, “Priests often reside in rural communities, where they are among the few who remain with the people. That makes them easy targets.”

He cited recent incidents in Benue State where a Priest was killed and another seriously injured, pointing out that these attacks do not signify any meaningful effort to suppress the message of the gospel.

“Attacks on Clergy should never be seen as a threat to the spread of the gospel, There is nothing that can ever stop the spread of the good news of Christ. The Church has survived more difficult times. This is not the end. If anything, these attacks affirm the power of the gospel to thrive even in adversity,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He explained that part of the vulnerability of Priests stems from the exodus of local elites, including traditional rulers, from rural areas. Many chiefs now reside in cities for security reasons, leaving the Priest as the lone figure of authority and support in communities.

“In many villages, the only person of note who still lives among the people is the Priest. The chiefs have left. Government presence is negligible. So the Priest becomes a soft target. And for many kidnappers, it is about easy money,” Bishop Ajang said.

The Local Ordinary of Lafia Diocese who doubles as the Episcopal Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said the worsening economic situation in Nigeria has turned kidnapping into a lucrative trade. 

“With the cashless economy, people are finding it harder to access money legitimately. Kidnapping has become an industry that is sadly thriving. And Priests are seen as a direct link to money. The kidnappers are not just targeting the individual. They target the Parish community, the Church, and sometimes even the government, knowing that everyone will rally to bring the Priest home from his captors,” he explained.

Insecurity is rife in the West African nation, where kidnappings, murder, and other forms of persecution against Christians remain rampant in many parts of the country, especially the North.

Despite the threats, Bishop Ajang emphasized that Priests cannot abandon their flocks.

“The Priest cannot abandon the village. That is where he belongs. Unlike others who can leave, he must stay with his people. It is a calling and a commitment to be with them in good times and in times like these,” he said.

Turning his attention to the theme of the WCD, “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts”, Bishop Ajang reflected on the role of journalists in Nigeria. 

“The good of humanity must be at the heart of every story. While it is essential to report the truth, we must also consider how that truth fosters unity, peace, and human dignity,” he said

The Catholic Bishop lauded the courage and professionalism of Nigerian journalists who, in the face of harassment and censorship, continue to tell stories that hold power to account.

“Despite the risks, there are many journalists doing good work. They present the truth without inciting violence or division. That balance is critical, and they deserve our respect,” Bishop Ajang said.

He called on the government to support a media landscape that is safe, independent, and vibrant.

“The government must make it easier for journalists to do their work. If media professionals feel unsafe or constrained, society suffers. Yet, we must also acknowledge that political desperation often leads to attempts to suppress the media,” Bishop Ajang said.