By Obinna Uballa
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, the parish priest of St Stephen Parish, Kushe Gugdu, following a violent attack on the community in the early hours of Monday.
In an official statement issued by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the Church said armed men stormed Kushe Gugdu in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State and whisked away the priest from his residence.
The attackers also kidnapped several other residents during the raid. The Archdiocese further disclosed that the brother of another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero, was killed in the incident.
“We call on all men and women of goodwill to join us in praying for their safety and quick release from the hands of their abductors, and for the peaceful repose of the dead,” the Chancellor said.
The Archdiocese appealed for calm while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the priest and other abductees.
The latest kidnapping adds to the growing list of attacks on rural communities and religious figures in Kaduna and other parts of the North-West, where banditry remains a persistent threat despite ongoing security operations.
