THIS DAWN — Nigeria is reeling from a series of coordinated terror and terrorist assaults that have shaken communities across Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara States, underscoring the urgent need for decisive security action.
Fr. Paschal Abducted in Kaduna
In the early hours of Monday, 17 November 2025, armed assailants stormed St. Stephen’s Parish in Kushe Gugdu, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, abducting Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal, the parish priest.
The Archdiocese of Kaduna confirmed the kidnapping, appealing for prayers and swift intervention.
THIS DAWN received the cover picture above, showing that Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal has actually been murdered by his captors.
During the same attack, the brother of another cleric, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero, was killed, while several parishioners were also taken.
The Church has described the incident as part of a growing pattern of targeted violence against clergy and communities in northern Nigeria.
On a similar note, this medium received a shocking video clip showing how terrorists beheaded the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) (name withheld) of a Local Government in Adamawa State.
Kebbi Schoolgirls Kidnapped
Barely hours later, terrorists struck Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 students and killing the Vice Principal.
The attack has sparked national outrage and deepened fears over the safety of schools in conflict-prone regions.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, visiting Kebbi on 19 November, assured families that “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain”.
He pledged that all federal and state security resources will be mobilized to secure the girls’ release.
Kwara Church Attack
On 18 November, bandits invaded Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, during an evening service.
At least two worshippers were killed, and several others, including the pastor, were abducted.
The attack, partially captured on a livestream, has intensified public anger and triggered protests against perceived government inaction.
Federal Response
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU-EU Summit in Angola to focus on domestic security.
The Federal Government has placed Nigeria’s security architecture on its highest alert, deploying additional military and police personnel to affected areas.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris emphasized that the government is committed to “actively pursue, neutralize, and dismantle terrorists and criminal networks across the country.”
National Unity Urged
Authorities have cautioned against framing the crisis along religious lines, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of these attacks.
“In this critical moment, national unity is our most powerful asset,” Idris said, urging citizens to support security agencies and reject misinformation.
Nigeria now faces a defining test: whether its institutions can rise to the challenge of protecting citizens, rescuing victims, and restoring confidence in the state’s ability to safeguard lives and property.
Summary
- Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal abducted in Kaduna,
- 25 schoolgirls seized in Kebbi, and,
- worshippers killed in a Kwara church raid — a wave of assaults that has jolted the nation.
- Tinubu has postponed foreign trips, placing security forces on highest alert,
- Vice President Shettima vows urgent rescue efforts.
Authorities stress unity, warning against sectarian framing as Nigeria confronts one of its gravest security tests in recent years.
