OSAN Raises Alarm Over Surge in Abduction of Catholic Priests, Warns Church Becoming ‘Soft Target’ for Kidnappers

…says between 2015-2025 no fewer than 145 Catholic priests have been abducted, 11 killed, several still missing

The Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria (OSAN) has voiced grave concern over the increasing wave of abductions targeting Catholic priests across the country, warning that clergy have become “soft targets” for kidnappers who perceive the Church as a lucrative source of ransom.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Convention of OSAN held in Abuja, with the theme “Insecurity: Navigating the Complexities of Nation-Building,” the association’s President and Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Francis Akubueze, lamented the growing trend, describing it as a disturbing national tragedy that demands urgent government intervention.

Akubueze decried the alarming frequency with which Catholic priests and other clergy are abducted, noting that many victims are old seminarians now serving in different dioceses across Nigeria. He described the situation as “heartbreaking,” revealing that several priests had been kidnapped in recent years, with the Church forced to pay huge ransoms to secure their release.

According to him, the false notion that the Church is financially buoyant has made priests “attractive targets” for criminal syndicates, while security agencies continue to struggle to curb the menace. Although he commended recent rescue operations by the security forces, Akubueze emphasized that “the overall situation remains dire and requires more decisive and coordinated action.”

“We gather today with heavy hearts to deliberate on the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the incessant kidnappings of Catholic priests,” Akubueze said, urging the government and faith-based organizations to intensify collaboration to ensure the safety of worship centers and clergy nationwide.

He further appealed for unity across religious divides, stressing that the fight against insecurity must transcend denominational boundaries to restore peace and confidence among citizens.

Statistics reveal that between 2015 and 2025, no fewer than 145 Catholic priests have been abducted across Nigeria, with 11 killed and several still missing. Many of the incidents occur in remote or rural communities, where priests often serve as the last remaining moral and community leaders amid growing lawlessness.

Security experts and Church officials have linked the abductions to the perception that clergy can easily attract ransom payments due to their influence and community ties. This trend, they warn, not only endangers the lives of priests but also threatens religious freedom, community stability, and national cohesion.

As the Catholic Church and security agencies continue to seek lasting solutions, OSAN called for renewed political will and strengthened intelligence operations to dismantle criminal networks preying on men of God.

The association concluded with a fervent prayer for the safety of all kidnapped priests and for divine intervention in restoring peace and security across Nigeria.