In Nigeria, serving as a Catholic priest today is becoming increasingly dangerous. Kidnappings and violent attacks are on the rise.
Bishop David Ajang of Lafia Diocese recently described priests as “an endangered species” in his country.
Speaking during an event marking World Communications Day, the bishop explained that priests are not being targeted for their faith, but because of Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis.
Many serve in rural areas, often as the only authority figure left after local leaders have fled for safety. This makes them easy targets for kidnappers seeking quick ransom.
Recent incidents have highlighted the risks. In Benue State, one priest was killed and another seriously wounded.
Despite these tragedies, Bishop Ajang remains clear: The Gospel will not be silenced.
“The Church has survived far worse. These attacks only show the strength of the message,” he said.
The bishop also pointed to the collapse of rural leadership. “In many villages, the priest is the only leader who remains.
Chiefs and officials have moved to the cities. The state is barely present. This leaves the priest exposed.”
He explained that kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria. “With the cash shortage, many see ransom as their best chance to make money. And they know that entire communities, even the Church itself, will mobilize to save a priest.”
Despite this danger, Bishop Ajang said priests cannot abandon their communities. “A priest must stay with his people, in good times and in bad. That is his calling.”
Turning to the media, Bishop Ajang praised Nigerian journalists for their courage. In a country where harassment and censorship are common, many reporters continue to speak truth to power. “Good journalism does not inflame violence or division. It promotes dignity and unity. That is essential.”
He called on the government to protect press freedom. “If journalists are not safe, society suffers. Political frustration often leads to attempts to silence the media. This must be resisted.”
As of March 2025, a total of 145 Catholic priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria over the past decade (2015–2025). Of these, 11 were killed, and 4 remain missing.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 12 priests and seminarians were abducted, marking the worst start to a year since records began. Tragically, two of them—Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu and seminarian Andrew Peter—were murdered by their captors.
The most affected regions include; Owerri Province: 47 kidnappings, Onitsha Province: 30 kidnappings, and Kaduna Province: 24 kidnappings, with 7 priests killed, making it the deadliest region for clergy.