Kaduna, Nigeria — A priest in the Archdiocese of Kaduna has been kidnapped following a violent raid on the community of Kushe Gugdu in the Kagarko Local Government Area. This incident occurred in the early hours of November 17, when armed militants targeted the residence of Father Bobbo Paschal, the parish priest of St. Stephen Parish, taking him hostage.
During the same assault, the brother of another local priest, Father Anthony Yero, was killed, and multiple individuals were abducted. As of now, there have been no additional reports of fatalities beyond this tragic loss.
The Archdiocese has called on the broader community to pray for the safety and prompt return of Father Paschal and all those abducted, while also requesting prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has highlighted its concern over the increasing violence targeting Christian communities and clergy throughout Nigeria.
This most recent kidnapping underscores the severe challenges to religious freedom that continue to plague Nigeria, a country categorized as facing “persecution” in the ACN’s 2025 Religious Freedom Report. Systematic violations of religious liberty remain prevalent, particularly in regions affected by armed extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The situation in Nigeria remains dire. In the Middle Belt region, there has been a significant uptick in violent incidents, including attacks on worshippers and the burning of churches. A report from Open Doors indicates that Nigeria recorded 3,100 Christians killed and 2,830 kidnapped in 2024, making it the country with the highest number of Christians killed for their faith that year.
The U.S. government has also taken note of these alarming trends, recently redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. This designation arises from ongoing reports of targeted violence against Christian minorities and the government’s failure to ensure effective protection for these communities.
On October 31, 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed these issues informally, indicating the pervasive risks faced by both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria due to terrorism and economic instability. He remarked on the inherent dangers in certain areas, noting that the conflict has led to significant loss of life among Christians, among others.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the plight of those like Father Paschal and the broader implications for religious communities across the region are drawing increasing scrutiny and calls to action from both local and international groups. The road ahead remains fraught with danger, necessitating both prayer and concrete efforts to address the ongoing crisis.