By Most Rev. David Ajang, Bishop of Lafia.

The Diocese of Lafia has created four new Mission Areas and announced the transfer and appointment of priests to various parishes and missions, with the changes taking effect on September 21, 2026.

The Catholic Diocese of Lafia has announced the creation of four new Mission Areas as part of changes to its pastoral structure, alongside the transfer and appointment of priests to several parishes and missions.

The announcement was contained in a letter dated September 8, 2026, signed by the Bishop of Lafia, Most Rev. David Ajang, and released by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Alfred Azige.

Four new Mission Areas
According to the Diocese, the newly created Mission Areas are:
Church of Mary Immaculate, Kabayi
St Paul, Ashige
St Patrick, BAD
St Charles, Saka

The Diocese said the four communities were previously under existing parishes.

Church of Mary Immaculate was formerly under Kabayi Parish, while St Paul, Ashige, was under Assakio Parish. St Patrick, BAD, was under Shinge Parish, while St Charles, Saka, was under Uke Parish.

Following their elevation to Mission Areas, the Bishop appointed priests to provide pastoral leadership in the communities.

Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Adigizi was appointed Priest-in-Charge of Church of Mary Immaculate, Kabayi.

Rev. Fr. Habila Silas Blazze was appointed to lead the Mission Area in Ashige.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajegena was appointed to St Patrick, BAD, while Rev. Fr. James Abimiku was appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Charles, Saka.

Priests transferred to parishes and missions

The Diocese also announced the transfer and appointment of priests to various locations.

The appointments are:
Fr Emmanuel Embugushiki — Church of Assumption, Up-Market, Masaka

Fr Maxwell Umbugus — St Augustine, Ombi I, Lafia

Fr Bitrus Ebuga — St Joseph, Panda

Fr Abu Francis — St Patrick, Jankanwa

Fr Jeremiah Bature — St Theresa, Mada Station

Fr Clement Ibrahim — St Joseph, BCG, Keffi

Fr Matthew Dyuran — St Michael, Jeun

Fr Joseph Damen — Holy Ghost, Nyanya Gwandara

Fr Matthew Gabi — St Mary, Aso B

Fr Alexius Akuki — St Justina, New Nyanya

Fr Christopher Ogaji — St Peter, Auta Balefi

Fr David Abimiku — St James, Tudun Amba

Fr Paul Anvah — St Mark, Kodape

Fr Jude Eze — St Joseph, Aso C

Fr Lazarus Songu — Holy Cross, Agbashi

According to the announcement, all the appointments will take effect on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The new Mission Areas and priestly appointments are expected to take effect from September 21, giving the affected priests and communities time to prepare for the transition.

The Diocese concluded its announcement by seeking God's guidance for the priests taking up the new assignments and wishing them success in their respective pastoral responsibilities.

“Are you a member of any of the affected parishes or missions? Share the information with your community and let us know if there are additional details from the Diocese.”