Fr John Bako Shekwolo from St Theresa Catholic Church was taken from his home in the central northern state of Kaduna on Monday.
The Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Rev Father Daniel J Kyomm said in a statement: "We regret to announce that one of our priests, Rev Fr John Bako Shekwolo has been kidnapped by unknown persons.
"As we ask for the prayers of the faithful of our Archdiocese and beyond for the quick release of Fr Shekwolo, we appeal to the consciences of those who abducted him to kindly release him unharmed."
Rev John Joseph Hayab, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also condemned the kidnapping.
"CAN condemns the abduction of Bako in its entirety. While we note that kidnapping in Kaduna State has become a big business, we appeal to the kidnappers to kindly release Bako unhurt."
"It is sad that Kaduna State has become the centre of kidnapping with government doing almost nothing to stop it.
"This shows there is governance failure, as far as security of lives and property is concerned. Government and security agencies must wake up to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property, which is the essence of government."
Across the country, Nigerians have seen an upsurge in kidnapping in recent years.
While kidnapping mostly occurred in the south and west of the country, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, it has become a national epidemic.
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