Catholic Priest Goes Missing in Abuja: Archdiocese Appeals for Assistance

Rev. Fr. Samson Emokhidi, a priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja, has been reported missing. The Archdiocese made the announcement in a statement released by its Chancery.

Fr. Samson was last seen leaving his residence at 8:45 pm on Sunday, October 1, 2023. His mysterious disappearance has raised alarm within the religious community. The statement, signed by Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Sam Tumba, revealed that there has been no communication or sign of the priest since he vanished.

The Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese have called upon the entire Archdiocesan family to keep Fr. Samson in their prayers during these trying times. They have also urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward and contact the Chancery.

The statement issued by the Archdiocese reads in part: “This is to inform the entire Archdiocese family about our brother and Priest Rev. Fr. Samson Emokhidi, who left the house on Sunday 1st October, 2023 at about 20:45 pm. He left without any trace and has not been seen or heard from since then. The Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishop request that we remember him in our prayers and if anyone has useful information regarding his whereabouts to kindly contact the Chancery.”

Fr. Sam Tumba also mentioned that the matter has been reported to the “civil authorities,” who have initiated investigations into his disappearance.

However, when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, was contacted for information on the matter, she responded, “I am not aware of the matter.” This has raised questions about the level of engagement by law enforcement in this case.