Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Fr. Paschal, Not Dead – Kaduna Archdiocese

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has dismissed  false reports circulating on social media claiming that the abducted priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, has been killed, warning the public to disregard the unverified information.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the Church described the rumour as unfounded and misleading, stressing that Fr. Paschal is still alive, while efforts are ongoing by relevant security agencies to secure his safe and immediate release.

LEADERSHIP reports that Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal was kidnapped in the early hours of Monday from his residence in Kushe Gugdu, Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State.

The Chancellor noted that the spread of such false information could cause unnecessary panic, worsen the trauma being experienced by the priest’s family and the faithful, and also complicate ongoing rescue operations.

“Our attention has been drawn to the unverified news being circulated on social media that the abducted priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, has been killed. We wish to refute this information completely as false and unfounded”.He urged bloggers, media organisations and social media users to exercise caution and responsibility by avoiding the dissemination of unconfirmed reports, stressing that only information released through the Archdiocese’s official communication channels should be trusted.

The Church also expressed appreciation to the faithful and the general public for their prayers, concern and support, calling for continued solidarity and supplications for the safe release of Fr. Paschal and other victims still in the custody of abductors.

“Any further updates not communicated through our official channels should be disregarded”.