Kaduna priest kidnapped with 10 others as terrorists kill three in Karku, Kauru LGA, says Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese
A Catholic priest and ten other residents have been abducted while three people were killed during an early morning attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Also read: Bandits kill three in troubling Kaduna night attack
The Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the development in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet.
According to the statement, the abducted priest is Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku.
“Fr Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State,” the statement read.
The Chancellor explained that the incident occurred at about 03:20am (WAT) at the priest’s residence and was described by villagers as an invasion by a group of terrorists.
He added that three residents — Mr Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari — were killed during the attack.
The Diocese called on priests, Christian faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the safe return of the abducted victims and for the repose of the souls of those killed.
“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,” the statement added.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the attack as deeply troubling.
“This is a sad story; the kidnapping is getting too much,” Hayab said, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising incidents of abduction and killings.
Also read: Kidnapped Kaduna worshippers regain freedom after weeks in captivity
He said the association remained hopeful and in prayers with the Catholic Church and the affected parish.
