Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
After nearly two months in captivity, Reverend Father Bobbo Paschal, the Catholic priest abducted in Kushe Gugdu, Kaduna State on November 17, 2025, has been released by his abductors, Catholic Church officials have confirmed.
Father Paschal, who served as the parish priest of St. Stephen Catholic Parish in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna, was seized by armed men from his residence nearly eight weeks ago in an attack that also saw other community members taken and at least one person killed.
In a statement issued by the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Chancellor Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel announced the priest’s safe release on January 17, 2026, and expressed profound gratitude to security agencies, parishioners and members of the public who had prayed and advocated for his freedom. The Church’s statement emphasised faith and collective support during the period of uncertainty and fear surrounding his disappearance.
Father Paschal’s abduction had drawn widespread concern both within Nigeria and internationally, drawing attention to the continuing security crisis in the northwest, where kidnappings of clergy and civilians alike have been tragically frequent. The initial attack on the priest’s residence was one of several incidents in the region that underscored persistent instability.
At the time of his kidnapping, the Catholic Archdiocese had refuted unverified social media claims that the priest had been killed, clarifying that he was still alive and that efforts were underway to secure his release. Officials urged the public to reject rumours that could cause unnecessary distress to the priest’s family and congregation.
The broader context of clergy abductions in Nigeria underscores the ongoing challenge: a report released earlier in 2025 found that nearly 150 Catholic priests had been kidnapped across the country over the past decade, with many eventually freed and others tragically killed. Kaduna State figures prominently among the regions hardest hit by such incidents.
While details about the precise circumstances of Father Paschal’s release — including whether negotiations or ransom arrangements were involved — were not immediately disclosed by authorities or Church officials, the focus has been on his wellbeing and reintegration into his community.
The Archdiocese’s announcement of the priest’s freedom was met with relief among parishioners and faith leaders, many of whom had been holding prayers and vigils in hopes of his safe return. The Church reiterated its call for peace in communities affected by violent crime and kidnappings and urged continued support for families and victims of such attacks.
As discussions persist about security reforms and protective measures for clergy and civilians alike, Father Paschal’s release stands as a rare piece of good news amid a challenging security environment that has seen numerous religious leaders targeted in recent years.
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