Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest Fr. Bobbo Regains Freedom

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has announced the safe release of Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, who was abducted by kidnappers in November 2025.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, confirmed that the priest regained his freedom on January 17, 2026, after two months in captivity.

Rev. Fr. Paschal was kidnapped on November 17, 2025, from his residence at Kushe Gugdu during an attack by armed men, an incident that heightened anxiety within the Catholic community and the wider public in Kaduna State.

The Chancellor conveyed the profound appreciation of the Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, to the security agencies whose sustained efforts contributed to the priest’s safe return.

The Archdiocese also expressed gratitude to people of goodwill across the country who stood in solidarity through prayers, moral support and concern during what it described as a difficult and uncertain period.

According to the Chancellor, the safe release of the priest is seen as a testimony to the power of collective prayer and cooperation, even as the Church continued to grieve the growing insecurity affecting communities and religious institutions.

“The Archbishop assured the faithful of his fraternal closeness and urged them to remain steadfast in faith, while continuing to pray for all those still held in captivity across the country”.

The Archdiocese further called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to address the root causes of kidnapping and violence, stressing the need for lasting peace and protection of lives and property.