A Nigerian priest was kidnapped from his home in northern Kaduna state, the local Roman Catholic diocese said in a statement on Tuesday, in the first such reported abduction of a clergyman in the state since July.

Armed gangs are rife across northern Nigeria where they rob or kidnap for ransom, and violence has been increasing, where thinly stretched security forces often fail to stop the attacks.

Fr Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the chancellor for Kaduna Catholic diocese, said Rev Fr Abraham Kunat, a parish priest in Idon Gida village, was abducted from a home he was staying in in another town, after leaving his parish due to insecurity.

The Archdiocese of Kaduna said in a statement: “We solicit the prayerful support of the faithful and indeed all men and women of goodwill that God Almighty will take control of the situation, preserve our priest, and bring him back in one piece. Amen”

Kaduna police spokesman could not be reached for comment.