No fewer than 17 Christian and Islamic clerics have been abducted by armed groups in Kogi and Delta states over the past three years, raising growing concerns about the safety of religious leaders and worshippers.
In Kogi State, 12 cases involving clerics were reported during the period. Among the victims was Sheikh Quasim Musa, the Chief Imam of Iyara, who was abducted from his residence in Ilukpa, Iyara, Ijumu Local Government Area, on March 25, 2024.
In a separate incident, Pastor Orlando, his wife, and other family members were kidnapped when gunmen stormed a church service in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area.
Pastor Friday Adehi and Gabriel Ezekiel of the CEFN Church were also reportedly abducted in September 2025 shortly after a church service. Similarly, Catholic priest Barrister A.B. Shaibu was kidnapped on September 7, 2025, while pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) were abducted in separate incidents in April 2026.
The most recent case occurred on September 14, 2026, when six clerics were abducted during a prayer meeting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, bringing the total number of reported abductions of religious leaders in the state to 12 within three years.
In Delta State, five Christian clerics were abducted during the same period. Four were rescued, while one was killed.
A pastor of a Celestial Church of Christ parish in Ibusa, near Asaba, was reportedly shot dead by suspected herdsmen. According to reports, the cleric had gone to his farm with family members when they were attacked and taken away. While his wife and children were later released, the attackers reportedly demanded a ransom for the release of the pastor and his companion.
Catholic priest Reverend Andrew Anah of Sacred Heart Parish, Obomkpa, was also kidnapped. He was abducted on two separate occasions along the Obomkpa/Ukwu-Nzu and Olona axes in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Gunmen also abducted Harrison Prhinyovaw, the priest in charge of St. John’s Catholic Church, Obinomba, in Ukwuani Local Government Area. He was kidnapped in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
In another incident, suspected herdsmen kidnapped Anglican priest Rev.
Anthony Oyi of Oko Agbele Quarters, Issele-Mkpitime, along with his wife and children while they were working on their farm in Aniocha North Local Government Area. His wife and children were later released, but the cleric and another victim remained in captivity.
Commenting on the issue, the diocesan spokesperson, Rev. Fr. Charles Uganwa, stated that abducted priests required prayers for their safe release, maintaining that the church does not pay ransom.
In Oyo State, however, comprehensive official statistics on the number of Christian and Islamic clerics abducted between 2023 and 2026 are not publicly available. Nevertheless, several documented incidents involved religious leaders.
In April 2024, Pastor Olugbenga Olawore of the RCCG and 14 others were abducted along the Maya axis of the Lanlate-Eruwa Road before later regaining their freedom.
Similarly, in May 2026, a mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area saw 46 pupils and teachers taken from schools. Among the victims was John Olaleye, a teacher and pastor, who was killed in captivity alongside another teacher, Michael Oyedokun. Security operatives, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), subsequently rescued the remaining victims without the payment of ransom.
