🔥🕊️ Rising Threats Against Catholic Priests in Nigeria

EMERGING TRENDS

Rising Threats Against Catholic Priests in Nigeria

A recent report from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) reveals an alarming increase in violence targeting Catholic clergy over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025, 143 Catholic priests were kidnapped, and 13 were killed.

The Okigwe Catholic Diocese reported the highest number of abductions, with 47 cases, while Kaduna Diocese recorded the most fatalities, with four priests killed. Other affected dioceses include Port Harcourt, Ekwulobia, Kafanchan, and Warri, where multiple kidnappings and deaths occurred.

CSN officials cautioned that these figures are incomplete. Significant incidents in regions such as Kano and Anambra have reportedly gone unrecorded, suggesting that the true scale of violence against Catholic priests in Nigeria may be far greater.

The targeted attacks on Catholic priests reflect broader security concerns in Nigeria, where criminal gangs, extremist groups, and politically motivated actors exploit religious institutions for ransom, coercion, or intimidation. The disproportionate targeting of priests in regions like Kaduna and Kafanchan, known for sectarian tensions, aligns with patterns of insurgent and communal violence. The lack of comprehensive reporting raises concerns about systemic under-documentation, which hampers effective security interventions.

Action Taken in Washington

In response to the escalating violence against Christians, the U.S. Congress has approved potential sanctions on Nigeria. The decision follows a congressional hearing where Bishop Wilfred Anagbe testified about targeted attacks by militant Fulani herdsmen, who have reportedly killed thousands with impunity. Lawmakers criticized Nigeria’s failure to protect Christian communities and urged the restoration of Nigeria’s status as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

The U.S. move signals mounting international pressure on Nigerian authorities to address the growing violence and ensure greater protection for vulnerable religious groups.

REGIONAL THREAT UPDATES

Africa

• EDO STATE, NIGERIA - A Catholic seminarian, Peter Andrew, who was abducted on March 3 alongside Rev. Fr. Philip Ekeli in Etsako East, has died in the kidnappers’ den, while Fr. Ekeli was successfully rescued. The police continue search efforts to recover Andrew’s remains and arrest the remaining kidnappers. One suspect was killed, and four were arrested during the initial response.

• KADUNA, NIGERIA - A Nigerian priest was killed following his abduction, prompting condemnation from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria. The Mission denounced the attack, emphasizing the need to protect religious leaders and uphold human rights. Authorities are investigating the incident amid growing concerns over violence targeting Christian communities in the region.

Middle East & Central Asia

• TARTUS, SYRIA - More than 1,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in a surge of violence in western Syria following clashes between supporters of the former Assad regime and security forces. While most victims were Shia Alawites, four Christians were confirmed dead. Church leaders condemned the violence, calling for peace, reconciliation, and protection of civilians. The UN has urged investigations into the killings.

South & Southeast Asia

• KOTALIPARA, BANGLADESH - Piyas Majumder, a 22-year-old Christian man, was killed during a robbery in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. Thieves tied him to a bed and strangled him before stealing valuables. The incident has intensified concerns about rising violence, particularly against minorities, amid a wave of criminal activity that has claimed 119 lives in seven months. Protests have since erupted, demanding improved security measures.

• YANGON, MYANMAR - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is investigating the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Myanmar. The investigation highlights increased violence, particularly targeting Christian communities, amid broader human rights abuses. The USCIRF aims to hold Myanmar’s authorities accountable and advocate for stronger international action to protect vulnerable populations.

• UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA – In 2024, India witnessed a sharp rise in violence against Christians, with 640 reported incidents, including murders, harassment, and church attacks, marking a significant increase since 2014. The Evangelical Fellowship of India highlighted that Uttar Pradesh remains a hotspot for arrests on baseless forced conversion claims. The Christian minority faces growing hostility, with India now ranking 11th on Open Doors’ World Watch List for persecution.

Latin America & Caribbean

• SÃO GONÇALO, BRAZIL – A pastor and a missionary were shot dead on BR-101, about 35 km from Rio de Janeiro. The victims, Pastor Luiz Carlos de Figueiredo Kamp and missionary Saulo de Farias, were traveling with a deacon who was injured and taken to Azevedo Lima State Hospital. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was a robbery or targeted murder.

North America

• CARMAN, CANADA - An overnight fire destroyed a church in Carman, which had faced a history of break-ins and vandalism before the incident. Fire crews responded quickly, but the building was lost. Investigators are examining possible links between past incidents and the fire’s cause.

• HOUSTON, TEXAS - A homeless man, Aaron Suppes, was indicted on a federal terrorism charge for allegedly threatening a sarin gas attack at Lakewood Church on Christmas Eve. Suppes had previously claimed to be a Florida pastor and called an FBI tip line threatening violence during a candlelight service attended by 5,000 people.

• LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - A church in Los Feliz was targeted by an alleged arsonist on Ash Wednesday, causing fire damage to the building. Authorities are investigating the incident, and no injuries were reported. Church leaders have called for increased security as the community recovers from the attack.

Europe

• No current updates.

Australia & Oceania

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Please pray for ROAM Intelligence as we work to equip and protect missionaries, churches, and ministries operating in high-risk regions. Pray for wisdom, provision, and the safety of those we serve, that they may continue their mission with courage and faith.

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