ABUJA — In a rare and powerful display of public grievance, hundreds of Catholic priests, dressed in their traditional soutanes, staged a solemn protest against the relentless wave of kidnappings and killings targeting their colleagues across the federation.
The demonstration follows a string of high-profile abductions in early 2026, marking what the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has described as a “targeted persecution” of the clergy.
A Brotherhood Under Siege
The priests gathered in a prayerful yet firm procession, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Being a Priest is Not a Death Sentence,” “Government, Protect Your Citizens,” and “Release Our Brothers Now.”
The protest was sparked by recent tragedies that have hit the Church hard:
- The Niger State Tragedy: On January 15, 2026, Father Isaac Achi was burned to death when bandits set his rectory ablaze in Paikoro, Niger State.
- The Kaduna Abductions: Just weeks later, Father Gideon Katings was murdered in Plateau State, while several other priests in the Kaduna and Katsina axes remain in captivity, with kidnappers demanding exorbitant ransoms.
- The “No Ransom” Policy:Â The Catholic Church has maintained a strict policy of not paying ransoms, which has unfortunately led to longer periods of captivity or the execution of some clerics.
“The Government Has Failed Us”
Speaking on behalf of the protesting priests, the Chancellor of the Diocese noted that the primary duty of any government—the protection of lives—is being ignored.
“We are not politicians; we are messengers of peace. But how can we preach peace when our brothers are being slaughtered like sheep?” he asked. The clergy accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of offering “empty condolences” instead of the decisive security action needed to flush out terrorists from their forest hideouts.
A National Security Crisis
The protest adds significant moral weight to the growing criticism of Nigeria’s security architecture.
- Targeting the Church: While many Nigerians are victims of insecurity, the Church argues that the deliberate targeting of priests—who often serve in the most remote and dangerous rural areas—is an attempt to silence the voice of the people.
- Demands for Reform:Â The priests are calling for an immediate overhaul of the security commands in the North-Central and North-West zones, where these attacks are most frequent.
A Call for Prayer and Action
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed solidarity with the Catholic priests, warning that the continuous “harvest of death” among the clergy could lead to a total breakdown of religious harmony if not addressed.
As the priests returned to their parishes, the message to the Presidency was clear: the Church will no longer remain silent while its shepherds are hunted.
