Bandits Strike Again in Kaduna, Kill Three, Abduct Catholic Priest and 10 Others

Armed bandits have once again launched a deadly attack in Kaduna State, killing three people and abducting a Catholic priest alongside 10 other residents in Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday. Residents said the assailants stormed the community at night and operated for several hours before escaping with their victims.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that the abducted priest is Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku. He was reportedly taken during the raid along with other community members.
In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on the public to pray for the victims.
“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 disclosed that the attackers broke into the priest’s residence at about 3:20 a.m., describing the incident as a violent invasion by heavily armed men.
He added that the priest was not the only victim of the attack.
“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku. As at the time of filing this report, the incident has led to the killing of three persons — Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari — in addition to those abducted,” he stated.
The diocese appealed to priests, church members and well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the safe release of those abducted and for the families of the victims who lost their lives.
“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 said.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the situation as disturbing, noting that kidnappings and violent attacks in the region continue to rise despite the presence of security agencies.
“This is a sad development; the rate of kidnapping is becoming unbearable. It is unfortunate that the abduction of Christian priests and other citizens continues unabated,” he said.
Hayab, however, expressed hope that the victims would return safely and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the activities of criminals.
“We remain hopeful and are praying with the Catholic Church and the parish of the kidnapped priest, while calling on security agencies to take decisive steps to arrest this growing menace,” 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 comments on the attack.