Nigerian Seminarians Decry Worsening Attacks On Priests, Warn That Clergy Have Become Soft Targets For Kidnappers

 

Catholic priests across Nigeria are increasingly becoming victims of targeted kidnappings, as criminals turn their attention to members of the clergy, viewing them as profitable targets. The Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria (OSAN) has raised the alarm, warning that the trend threatens not only the lives of priests but also the moral fabric of the nation.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Convention of OSAN held in Abuja, the association’s president and Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Francis Akubueze, lamented the growing wave of abductions involving Catholic priests. He revealed that the Church has often been forced to pay hefty ransom amounts to secure the release of kidnapped priests, further emboldening the criminals.

According to Akubueze, many priests who once dedicated their lives to serving humanity now live in fear, unsure of their safety whenever they step out for pastoral duties. “The clergy among us, who are also old seminarians, are increasingly becoming endangered species. Quite a number of them have been kidnapped, and the Church has paid heavy ransoms. They have become attractive targets for kidnappers who wrongly assume that the Church is wealthy,” he said.

The OSAN leader praised the Nigerian Army for recent efforts in apprehending the killers of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu and rescuing Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, describing those actions as commendable. However, he emphasized that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of insecurity that continue to plague the country. Akubueze noted that the persistence of these crimes is a reflection of deep systemic issues that require coordinated national effort to resolve.

Government, he said, must now prioritize the protection of lives and property, ensuring that no group of citizens feels abandoned or unsafe. He appealed to the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to take a firm stance against the spate of attacks on religious figures and places of worship, warning that silence could embolden perpetrators. “We gather today with heavy hearts to deliberate on the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the incessant kidnappings of Catholic priests,” he said. “The Church appears helpless in this excruciating situation, while government efforts have yet to yield the desired results.”

The convention, which centered on the theme “Insecurity: Navigating the Complexities of Nation Building,” brought together former seminarians, scholars, and security experts to chart a path toward sustainable solutions. Akubueze explained that the discussions were designed to generate actionable strategies for addressing insecurity, while also reaffirming the values of discipline, unity, and service instilled during seminary formation.

He urged members of OSAN to continue promoting peace, moral integrity, and civic responsibility in their various spheres of influence. “Let us join forces to build a society where everyone can live without fear,” he said. “We pray for the safety of all kidnapped priests and citizens, and we demand decisive action from our leaders.”

During the panel discussions, several experts highlighted how economic hardship, political instability, and misinformation contribute to the worsening security challenges in Nigeria. Professor May Ifeoma Nwoye, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Nile University, emphasized the role of propaganda in escalating violence. She argued that political actors often exploit insecurity by spreading false narratives for selfish gain.

According to her, the effects of insecurity and poor governance have gone beyond Nigeria’s borders, with the country’s youths now facing ridicule in other African nations that once looked up to Nigeria for support during their independence struggles. “Our leaders must look inward and address the root economic issues,” she said. “Concessional loans and government interventions should be directed at reducing poverty, because hunger and deprivation are fueling crime and insecurity.”

Professor Sandra Obioha, another speaker at the event, called for a long-term reorientation of Nigeria’s political class. She suggested the establishment of a school of etiquette for aspiring political office holders, where potential leaders would undergo six months of training to understand the ethical and administrative demands of governance. She stressed that insecurity remains the most pressing challenge confronting the nation and urged the government to strengthen its institutions and ensure accountability across all levels.

According to her, a true leader is one who plans policies that will shape the future, while a politician merely focuses on winning the next election. Her comment drew applause from participants, who agreed that Nigeria’s leadership crisis continues to deepen public mistrust and exacerbate social tensions.

The OSAN convention ended with a renewed call for national unity and collective action against the forces threatening peace and security. Attendees resolved to support the government through advocacy, education, and community-based initiatives aimed at curbing kidnapping and violent crimes.

Across the gathering, the consensus was clear: the kidnapping of priests reflects a broader failure of security and governance that demands urgent and sustained intervention. For many in attendance, the safety of clergy is not just a Church concern but a national issue that mirrors the state of insecurity in Nigeria today.

As Akubueze concluded, “Every kidnapped priest is a reminder that no one is truly safe until all citizens are safe. It is time for both leaders and citizens to act decisively and restore faith in our nation’s ability to protect its people.”