The Catholic Bishop of Kafanchang Diocese, Joseph Bagobiri, in the early hours on Monday slumped and died during a visit to the Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Ndagoso.
Bishop Bagobiri, who had been battling with a kidney problem was said to have arrived the archbishop’s court in Kaduna on Sunday shortly after service.
He was billed to have an appointment with his doctor in Kaduna but slumped while preparing to leave for the hospital.
The clergyman, who died at the age of 61, was born on November 8. 1957 and was ordained Catholic priest on June 11, 1983.
He was, however, ordained Bishop of the Kafanchang Diocese on October 21, 1995.
The passing of the clergyman has already been confirmed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Emmanuel Okolo.
Meanwhile, the Senator for Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, Danjuma Laah has expressed shock over the death of the amiable bishop.
In a statement, Mr. Laah said he is devastated and described the passage of Bishop Bagobiri as “untimely.”
“I am aware that the great man of God has been battling a kidney condition for sometimes now, but the grace of God and his strong will had seen him carry on the burden of his congregation without complaints despite the pains and suffering he has had to endure.
“Bishop Bagobiri had not only been of great spiritual guidance to me, he had been a major support to me in the pursuit of peace, justice and development of Southern Kaduna.
“Endowed with high intelligence which was reinforced with great concerns for the downtrodden, Bishop Bagobiri became a true father to all.
“To the millions of us who saw him as our shield, leader and mentor, his death has left us as orphans.”
He said the deceased has finished his missionary duty assigned him by his creator and has only gone to back to enjoy eternity with God.
On behalf of the people of the senatorial district, Mr. Laah prayed God to condole all the parishioners of the departed priest, the people of Kaduna State and Nigerians.
“May the good Lord console us and may his death also lead to the realisation of all he had struggled for his people and mankind,” he concluded.
