The Archdiocese of Kaduna, north-western Nigeria, has expressed appreciation to security agencies and people of goodwill across the world for prayers offered, which led to the release of one of their priests.
Expressing the sentiments of gratitude, the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Okewu, appreciated the security agencies for their efforts, including all people of goodwill for prayers, support, and encouragement throughout the abduction of Fr. Paschal Bobbo.
Describing the development as a testament of faith and solidarity, the Chancellor noted that the priest’s safe return reflects “the power of prayer and working together,”
He expressed the Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso’s call on the faithful to remain steadfast and continue praying for others still held in captivity across the country.
Fr. Bobbo, the Parish Priest of St. Stephen Parish, Kushe Gidgu, was abducted by armed attackers from his Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Monday, 17 November 2025.
During the attack, the brother of Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero was killed, and several other residents were abducted, deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the region.
As uncertainty persisted, Catholic groups and international media organisations rallied prayer campaigns for the abducted priest and others in captivity.
One of such initiatives, dubbed #OneHailMarycampaign, was promoted by Shalom World News, urging the faithful to pray for Fr. Bobbo Paschal’s safe return and to mourn those killed in the attack.
Days after the abduction, unverified reports circulated on social media claiming that Fr. Bobbo had been killed, prompting panic among the faithful.
However, in a statement dated Thursday, 20 November, the Archdiocese dismissed the reports as baseless and misleading, urging the public to ignore such claims.
Relief came on 17 January 2026, when the Archdiocese issued a formal message confirming the priest’s release.
The Archdiocese described the period as one of “anxiety and uncertainty,” thanking God for Fr. Bobbo’s safe return.
The Church described the priest’s release as a moment of relief and thanksgiving to the Catholic faithful in Kaduna and beyond, which has brought an end to months of fear, uncertainty, and intense prayer.
It indicated that while Fr. Freedom stands as a powerful testimony for faith, solidarity, and collective effort, the incident once again exposes the grave security challenges confronting communities in northern Nigeria.
Church leaders have expressed solidarity with victims of violence and insecurity, calling for peace, security of lives and livelihoods, and prayers for those who are still in captivity.
