Catholic priests targeted in recent attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria

A Catholic priest, the Rev. Peter Kwen of the Diocese of Gboko, was assaulted and left unconscious following an ambush in Benue state, Nigeria, on November 6, 2026. Local residents reported that the attack occurred on the Makurdi-Zaki Biam Road, with witnesses attributing the violence to suspected Fulani gunmen. The priest is currently recovering from his injuries.

This incident follows the October 13 kidnapping of the Rev. John Inalegwu Otache of the Diocese of Otukpo, who was held for five days before his release on October 18. Church officials credited his safe return to collective prayer and community support. These events occur amid a broader trend of violence against clergy and civilians in Nigeria. Data from the International Institute for Religious Freedom and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa indicates that thousands of civilians have been abducted in recent years, highlighting ongoing security challenges facing religious leaders and the general population in the region.