Suspected bandits have killed three people and
kidnapped a Catholic priest along with ten other residents during a violent
attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The assault occurred in the early hours of Saturday,
February 7, 2026, with residents saying the attackers struck at about 3:20 a.m.
Armed men reportedly stormed the community, firing gunshots to instill fear
before moving from house to house and abducting their victims.
Among those taken is Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the
parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku. He was abducted from
his residence alongside other members of the community.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the
incident in a statement signed by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet. The
church expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of the priest and disclosed
that ten other residents were also taken during the raid, while three people
lost their lives.
Those killed were identified as Jacob Dan’azumi,
Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.
Describing the incident as tragic, the archdiocese
called on Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the safe release of the
abducted victims and for the souls of those killed.
Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of the Northern
Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, condemned the incident,
saying it reflects the worsening security situation in the region. He lamented
the increasing cases of abductions involving religious leaders and civilians,
urging security agencies to step up protection for vulnerable communities and
places of worship.
Meanwhile, security sources in Kaduna State confirmed
that joint teams of police and military personnel have been deployed to the
area. An officer familiar with the operation said security forces engaged the
attackers in gun battles around the Kauru axis shortly after the incident and
expressed optimism that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent raids
and kidnappings in Kaduna State, raising fresh concerns about rural insecurity
and the safety of residents and religious leaders.
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