Kidnapped Kaduna Catholic Priest Fr Paschal Not Dead — Archdiocese

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has dismissed reports circulating on social media, claiming that the abducted priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, has been killed.

The Church urged the public to disregard the unverified information.

In a statement on Thursday 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.

Emmanuel added that efforts were ongoing by relevant security agencies to secure his safe and immediate release.

LEADERSHIP reports that the priest 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 spreading 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,” the Church said.

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 statement also appreciated 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.

Emmanuel also urged the public to disregard further updates not communicated through the Church’s official channels.