Bandits launched a deadly attack on the Southern Kaduna region of Kaduna State early Monday, abducting a Catholic priest and several residents, and killing one person.

According to the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, the assailants invaded Kushe Gugdu village in Kagarko Local Government Area and stormed St. Stephen Parish, where they abducted the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal.

Priest Confirmed Abducted, Cleric’s Brother Killed

In a notice to priests of the Archdiocese, Chancellor Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel confirmed the incident, stating:

“I write to inform you of the attack on Kushe Gugdu and the abduction of one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Bobo Pascal, Parish Priest of St. Stephen Parish… from his residence during the early hours of today, Monday, 17th of November, 2025.”

The Chancellor further disclosed that multiple residents were abducted during the attack, and the brother of another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero, was killed.

“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. Amen,” he added.

Related Attacks: Amnesty International Raises Alarm

SaharaReporters previously reported that Amnesty International demanded urgent action from Nigerian authorities following the abduction of 12 people—including a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—during a separate attack on Gidan Waya in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Four people were killed in that attack, which occurred on November 11.

In a statement issued Monday, the global rights organisation condemned the incident, describing it as part of a longstanding pattern of insecurity and government inaction in northern Nigeria.

Amnesty International noted:
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure the safe and secure rescue of the 12 persons abducted by gunmen at Gidan Waya… Among those abducted are minors aged 13, 14, and 15.”

The organisation said the attack underscored the government’s “stunning failure” to protect communities and ensure accountability.

Years of Violence in Northern Nigeria

The rights group highlighted the worsening plight of rural communities across northern Nigeria, many of which have suffered repeated attacks since 2016.

“Since 2016, rural communities in some parts of northern Nigeria have been living at the mercy of gunmen. The violence has forced many farmers and their families to flee their homes,” it said.

Amnesty noted that it has consistently documented rising violence, kidnappings, and mass displacement across the north-west and north-central regions, with states such as Plateau, Zamfara, southern Kaduna, Benue, and Katsina among the hardest hit.

Calls for Effective and Rights-Respecting Security Measures

Amid mounting security concerns, residents and local leaders have repeatedly appealed to federal and state governments for sustained protection and effective law enforcement.

Amnesty International insisted that only a coordinated, rights-respecting security strategy—combined with accountability for perpetrators—can break the cycle of violence ravaging Nigeria’s rural communities.