AFRICA/NIGERIA - The Archdiocese of Kaduna confirms catechist Victor Paul, who was abducted in February, died in captivity after enduring prolonged torture, abuse, and severe deprivation

Kaduna (Fides News Agency) – Attacks, kidnappings and killings continue unabated across Nigeria, with Christian communities remaining among those most severely affected.
The latest victim is Victor Paul, a Catholic catechist who was abducted from his home in Kagarko District, Kaduna State, and died in captivity.
The Archdiocese of Kaduna confirmed his death in a statement issued on July 2, as well as that of 5 other kidnap victims.

Victor Paul was kidnapped along with his pregnant wife, their son—who was later killed—and about 30 other people during a terrorist attack on the communities of Kutaho and Kugur on February 9, 2026 (see Fides, 12/2/2026).

In the statement, Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, said the catechist had been subjected to severe torture and left to die of starvation, while the other victims were brutally murdered by their captors. So far neither the Kaduna State Government nor the police command has issued an official statement regarding the deaths.

Of the approximately 30 people abducted in February, 11 women and children—including the catechist's wife—were released on April 5 after the local community paid a ransom of 30 million naira and provided four motorcycles.
Following their release, the kidnappers demanded an additional 15 million naira for the remaining hostages. Nine more men were subsequently freed on Friday, May 1, 2026.

"We are deeply grateful to God that the remaining four men also regained their freedom on June 30, 2026. While we rejoice at their safe return, our hearts remain filled with sorrow over the tragic loss of those who did not come back alive," Father Emmanuel said. (AP) (Fides News Agency, 7/7/2026)