Nigeria: 145 Priests Kidnapped in 10 Years

The report was published by Agenzia Fides.

A. States most affected by the number of kidnappings

1. The Diocese of Owerri (Imo State, southeastern Nigeria) (47 cases)

With the highest number of kidnappings, the region is high risk for the clergy. All but two priests were released, suggesting effective rescue efforts or ransom payments.

2. The Diocese of Onitsha (Anambra State, just north of Imo State) (30 cases)

Second highest in number of kidnappings, but with a low mortality rate (one priest killed).

3. The Diocese of Kaduna (Kaduna State, North Central) (24 cases, 7 deaths)

This region has the highest number of deaths, indicating a more violent kidnapping pattern, likely linked to terrorist activities, insurgent influence, or heightened religious tensions in northern Nigeria.

B. States with the Highest Number of Victims

1. The Diocese of Kaduna (7 priests killed)

The most dangerous region, where kidnappings often result in casualties. This suggests that the kidnappers are more aggressive, politically motivated, or uninterested in ransoms.

2. Abuja State (2 priests killed)

The Federal Capital Region is also affected, showing that even supposedly safe areas are not immune.

3. Edo State (South) (1 priest killed) and Onitsha Province (1 priest killed)

These cases remain isolated but worrying.

C. Provinces where priests are still missing

1. Kaduna State (1 priest missing)

Given the high number of victims, the missing priest may already be dead.

2. Edo State (Benin region) (1 priest missing)

Is there a lack of effort to search for the kidnappers? Or is the issue their refusal to negotiate?

3. Owerri Diocese (2 missing priests)

Despite a high release rate, two cases remain unresolved.

D. Least Affected States (Low Risk)

1. Ibadan Region (Oyo State, Southwest) (2 cases, all released)

2. Calabar Region (Cross River State, Southeast) (4 cases, all released)

3. Lagos State (Southwest) (0 cases reported)

Lagos, Nigeria's economic center, appears to be the safest province for Catholic clergy. This could be due to better security measures or a low Muslim presence.

Key Points

– Kidnappings are common, with some provinces experiencing more violent tendencies (Kaduna, Abuja).

– Most kidnappings are committed for extortion purposes, but the northern regions (Kaduna) show a higher tendency for priests to be executed.

– Lagos remains the safest province, probably due to a greater presence of law enforcement.

– Missing priests remain a concern, as their fate is uncertain in some provinces.

It should be noted that the statistics recently released by the Nigerian Catholic Bishops' Conference present significantly different figures. An explanation is provided by The Sun, a Nigerian newspaper, which explains that an official from the Catholic Secretariat stated that the episcopal data was incomplete, as it does not include certain Nigerian states.

These statistics were compiled by the Secretariat, but they may still be incomplete.