Bandits abduct Catholic Priest, 10 others, kill three in fresh Kaduna attack

Suspected bandits have struck again in Kaduna State, abducting a Catholic priest and ten other residents while killing three people during a violent raid on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was taken by the attackers in the early hours of Saturday alongside other villagers.

Confirming the incident, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed grief over the development and appealed for prayers for those affected.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, with profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State,” he said.

Shanet explained that the assailants invaded the priest’s residence around 3:20 a.m., with residents recounting that heavily armed terrorists overran the area.

“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku. At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people, Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari, aside from those abducted,” he added.

The diocese called on priests, Christian faithful, and well-meaning Nigerians to pray fervently for the victims’ safe return and to remember those who lost their lives during the attack.

“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evildoers,” Shanet stated.

Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the situation as troubling, noting that abductions persist despite ongoing efforts to stem the tide of insecurity.

“This is a sad story; the kidnapping is getting too much. It is unfortunate that the abduction of Christian priests and other citizens remains unabated,” he said.

While expressing optimism that the abducted victims would regain freedom, Hayab urged security agencies to intensify operations to curb the rising cases of kidnappings and killings.

“We remain hopeful and are praying with the Catholic Church and the parish of the kidnapped priest while calling on security agents to take decisive measures to arrest this growing incident,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had yet to respond to requests for comment on the incident.