Suspected bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and several residents while killing three people during a fresh attack on a community in Kaduna State, intensifying concerns over insecurity in northern Nigeria. The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday when armed assailants stormed Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area, unleashing violence on residents and church members.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku, was among those abducted during the raid. Reports indicate that the attackers invaded the priest’s residence at about 3:20 a.m., forcibly taking him and other victims into the bush after the assault.
Community sources disclosed that the attackers killed three individuals identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari during the coordinated attack. Witnesses described the operation as highly organised, with heavily armed gunmen overpowering residents before fleeing with the abductees.
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The Diocese, through its Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for prayers for the safe return of the abducted victims. Church authorities urged members of the public and Christian faithful to remain steadfast while entrusting the victims to divine protection amid growing fears over repeated attacks on religious leaders and communities.
Christian leaders in the region also raised alarm over the worsening security situation, warning that kidnappings and attacks on clergy and civilians continue to escalate despite ongoing security operations. Religious stakeholders called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and deploy additional measures to curb the rising wave of violence targeting vulnerable communities.
Kaduna State has witnessed persistent incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and targeted attacks in recent years, with both civilians and religious institutions frequently affected. Analysts warn that the continued attacks threaten social stability and deepen humanitarian concerns in the region, as residents grapple with fear and displacement following recurring security breaches.
