By Olivia Obijiaku
The executives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sabon Gari Branch paid a familiarization visit to the Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The group led by the Chairman, Venerable Dr. Adeshina Emmanuel Adeniyi commiserated with the bishop over the abduction of a priest of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema. Prayers were also offered for the release and safe return of the priest.
Fr. Ezema was abducted from his residence in Makarfi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, “at St Peter’s Catholic Church Rumi, on Tuesday 2nd December, 2025 around 11.30pm,” as disclosed in a statement dated 3rd December, 2025 and signed by the Chancellor of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Augustine Isek.
Grateful to His Lordship for his immense support towards CAN in Sabon Gari, Dr. Adeniyi sought fatherly counsel from the spiritual leader on some issues confronting Christians in the area, such as the case that has been in court since September 2025, involving two Christian teachers, who have been in the custody of a Correctional Centre. He also informed the bishop of CAN Multi-purpose Hall, soliciting support from the Catholic Bloc.
Bishop Daboh thanked them for the visit and for commiserating with the diocese on the kidnapping of Fr. Ezema. He pledged support to the association, emphasizing the need for true unity among members of the Body of Christ. He lauded the peaceful process and understanding exhibited in handling the case of the two women in custody, encouraging the body to further engage those in authority for their release.
