Nigerian diocese renews prayer appeal for priest held captive for 11 months
The Diocese of Zaria in northern Nigeria has again asked Catholics to pray for Father Emmanuel Ezema, who was seized from his residence at St. Peter's Church in Rumi on December 2, 2025
The Catholic Diocese of Zaria in northern Nigeria has renewed its appeal for prayers for Father Emmanuel Ezema, a priest who has been held by kidnappers for 11 months. The message, released on Monday, November 2, 2026, asks the faithful to keep praying for him. Ezema was abducted on the night of December 2, 2025, from his residence at St. Peter's Church in Rumi.
The diocese said it was concerned about the priest's situation and appealed directly to believers: "Please continue to pray for him." It said Ezema "has spent 11 months in captivity" since the kidnapping was made public in December 2025.
First statement from the chancellor of Zaria
The kidnapping was announced by the chancellor of the Diocese of Zaria, Father Isek Augustine, in a statement carried by ACI Africa. He called for solidarity with the kidnapped priest and with others in the same situation. "We ask all men and women of good will to pray for the safe and quick release of our priest and of others from the hands of their kidnappers," Augustine said.
11 months after the abduction, the diocese continues to ask Nigerian Catholics to pray for Ezema's release and for all those held by captors.
Based on reporting by José García for Iglesia Noticias. This article was translated and adapted from Spanish with the help of artificial intelligence.
