Scores of Catholic priests in Imo State on Thursday protested the kidnapping and abduction of 47 of their members between 2015 and 2025.
They also disclosed that two of the victims were killed by their abductors.
Speaking with journalists at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Rev (Fr.) Anthony Njoku regretted that they were not getting commensurate protection from the state security operatives.
The briefing was attended by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastic diocese, Luscious Ugorji; the immediate past Archbishop, Dr. Anthony Obinna, among others.
The priests said it was important to speak out “before it is too late about the alarming descent of Imo State into a state of insecurity and fear.
“The situation is dire. Kidnappings for ransom, abductions for organ harvesting, and violent invasions of people’s lands and farms are now commonplace across Imo State and Igbo land.
“These horrors are no longer distant headlines; they are personal. Our priests and faithful parishioners have suffered terribly, and the pain continues to spread.
“While we have an innumerable number of people who have fallen victim, in the past ten years, between 2015 and 2025, there are more than fifty clergy and religious victims of this horrendous situation from Ahiara, Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri dioceses, with Okigwe recording the highest of 47 priest victims, and two deaths from Owerri and Orlu respectively, all in imo State alone.
“The perpetrators, often identified as Fulani herdsmen, strike with increasing boldness and cruelty. This is a nightmare no one should endure, let alone our people.”
The cleric regretted that the security operatives appeared helpless in the face of rising insecurity.
“Whether due to lack of equipment, insufficient capacity, or absence of political will, they have failed to stem the tide of this evil. Their apparent paralysis in the face of widespread violence is deeply troubling,” he said.
Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, could not be reached for reaction as of the time of filing this report.
