Kaduna State in Northwest Nigeria is notorious for banditry and kidnapping activities
Tragedy struck Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday as terrorists abducted a Catholic priest and ten other residents, while three persons were killed during the attack.
The kidnapped priest is Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan.
The Catholic Church confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when gunmen invaded the priest’s residence at about 3:20am, causing panic in the community.
In a statement, the Chancellor of the Kafanchan Diocese, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, announced the abduction, describing the incident as a violent invasion carried out by terrorists.
Shanet said the attack led to the killing of three community members identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari, in addition to the abduction of the priest and ten others.
He called on priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe release of those abducted and for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attack.
The Diocese, according to him, has entrusted the victims to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for their speedy and safe return from captivity.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the kidnapping and killings as sad and disturbing, noting that such attacks have continued despite efforts to curb insecurity.
Hayab urged security agencies to take decisive measures to halt the rising cases of kidnapping and killings, while assuring the Catholic Church of prayers and solidarity.
Meanwhile, sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said security operatives, including the military and armed police, have engaged the attackers in the area and are on their trail, expressing hope that the bandits would be apprehended.
