Gunmen Kill Anglican Priest in Adamawa as Police Launch Manhunt

Gunmen have killed an Anglican cleric, Rev. Emmanuel Ezeokwe, in a late-night attack in Song Local Government Area, prompting a full-scale investigation by the police.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Zinai Village in Bolki district, where the attackers reportedly stormed the community and shot the priest.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the command received a distress report at about 6:30 a.m. from a resident, Amos Sunday.

According to him, the assailants invaded the village around 12:48 a.m. and carried out the attack before fleeing the scene.

Police operatives who responded to the report found the cleric critically injured and rushed him to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His remains have been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Nguroje disclosed that preliminary investigations led to the recovery of three empty AK-47 shell casings at the scene.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kabir Umar Hasaan, has since directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to carry out a discreet investigation, while tactical teams have been deployed to track down the perpetrators.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing useful information that may aid the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Diocese of Yola has confirmed the killing, describing it as a painful and tragic loss.

In a statement issued by Ven. Andrew Izuakor, administrator to the Bishop of the Diocese, Markus Ibrahim, the church said the attackers specifically targeted the cleric during the invasion.

The Diocese called on the Christian community and the public to pray for the bereaved family, the Zinai Church, and the entire Diocese during what it described as a moment of grief.