Gunmen Attack Kaduna Parish, Kidnap Priest And Several Others While Community Grapples With Rising Violence And Fear

 

Suspected terrorists launched a violent attack on St. Stephen Parish, Kushe Gugbu, in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the kidnapping of the parish priest and several other community members. The assault occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, leaving the local community reeling in fear and sorrow.

Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, the parish priest of St. Stephen Parish, was seized by the gunmen from his residence during the attack. Sources report that the gunmen stormed the parish with a high level of organization, targeting both the clergy and parishioners. The perpetrators are believed to be part of a wider network of terrorist groups that have increasingly carried out violent operations in Kaduna and other parts of northern Nigeria.

The Archdiocese of Kaduna formally confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel. The statement detailed that the attack claimed the life of a relative of another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero, who was tragically murdered by the assailants. The violent act has further heightened tensions in a region already grappling with insecurity, leaving families and local residents in deep distress.

Multiple individuals, beyond the parish priest, were reportedly abducted during the attack. The identities and exact number of those kidnapped remain unclear, but the incident has prompted widespread concern from religious organizations, community leaders, and civil society groups across the state. Local authorities have reportedly launched efforts to locate the victims and secure their release, though the situation remains fluid and highly tense.

Rev. Fr. Okewu called on the wider community to unite in prayer, emphasizing the need for the protection and safe return of those abducted. The Archdiocese urged all men and women of goodwill to pray for the peaceful repose of the deceased and for divine intervention in ending the violence that continues to plague communities across Kaduna State.

Residents of Kushe Gugbu have expressed shock and fear following the attack, highlighting the growing insecurity in rural communities where access to security forces is limited. Many have raised concerns about the vulnerability of religious institutions and the urgent need for strengthened protection measures for clergy and worshippers alike.

The Kaduna State government and security agencies have yet to release a detailed report on the attack or confirm ongoing operations to rescue those kidnapped. The tragic incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups in northern Nigeria and the urgent call for coordinated security responses to protect vulnerable communities.

Authorities and religious leaders alike continue to appeal for calm, stressing the importance of prayer, solidarity, and vigilance as efforts to recover the abducted priest and others intensify. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing local communities in maintaining peace amid rising terrorist activities.