Priest and parishioners seized in wave of attacks in northwest Nigeria

Pope Leo listed Nigeria among countries where Christians face attack in his message after the Angelus on 16 November, voicing concern at recurring assaults on communities and churches.

Bandits abducted a Catholic priest and 12 parishioners, as well as an evangelical pastor and several members of his congregation, in a wave of terror attacks in Nigeria’s north-western Kaduna State.

The Archdiocese of Kaduna said Fr Bobbo Paschal of St Stephen parish, Kushe Ggudu in the Kagarko Local Government Area, was seized by armed men who broke into the parish residence in the early hours of 17 November, along with several members of the community. The brother of another priest, Fr Anthony Yero, was killed during the attack. 

Armed men attacked three communities – Jantsauni, Mai Doki, and Maiyamma – in the Yarkasuwa area of Kurama Chiefdom, Lere Local Government Area, the following night. They killed four people and abducted the pastor Istifanus Dunga, along with 11 others. 

“We call on all men and women of goodwill to join us in praying for their safety and quick release from the hands of their abductors, and for the peaceful repose of the dead,” the archdiocese appealed.

Pope Leo listed Nigeria among countries where Christians face attack, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan in his message after the Angelus on 16 November, voicing concern at recurring assaults on Christian communities and places of worship across the world, and calling for prayers for peace and unity among believers.

“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship. God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children!” he wrote.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) insisted that a genocide is taking place in the country, citing years of tragedy, persecution, and insecurity faced by Christian communities.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh of the Christ Holy Church International, made the statement on 18 November at the Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting of the association in Jos, Plateau State.

“Our presence in Jos today is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic. We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support,” he said.

“We are here to identify with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of unspeakable tragedy – persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.”

He continued: “It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered. CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.”

Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s solidarity with affected communities nationwide. He described the plight of Christians forced from their homes, referencing a recent visit to Bokkos where he met displaced people, listened to their stories, prayed with them and provided relief.

“We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you,” he said.

CAN called for justice, accountability, and decisive action from both the Federal Government and the international community to halt killings and displacement, especially in Christian-majority areas across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

The association also declared Sunday 7 December as a day of prayer against Christian genocide in Nigeria, urging all church leaders and congregations across the country to dedicate the day to the cause.

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