The Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Kaduna Archdiocese, has declared a state of “spiritual emergency” following the abduction of Reverend Father Bobbo Paschal and the gruesome killing of a parishioner, Gideon Markus.
The attack, which occurred on November 17, 2025, has provoked strong outrage and deep sorrow among the Catholic community and Church leadership in the region.
In a statement signed by CYON President Jonah Akuso, the organisation condemned the escalating insecurity in the area, describing the situation as “a wound inflicted on the Body of Christ.”
CYON also condemned the renewed attacks in Kushe Gugdu, Kagarko Local Government Area, where scores of innocent families are reportedly living in fear amid persistent kidnapping incidents.
Akuso warned Nigerians against viewing the abductions as isolated cases, insisting they reflect “symptoms of a nation in distress.”
He called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, urgent humanitarian support for the affected families, and renewed advocacy to hold government institutions accountable for the growing insecurity.
Writing by Muzha Kucha