A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, and 10 others have been abducted by suspected bandits following a violent attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Kafanchan Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, on Saturday, said the attackers were described by residents as a group of terrorists who invaded the community in a coordinated operation.
The statement explained that the attack reportedly resulted in the death of three individuals, identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari, while others were taken away by the assailants.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026, “at about 3:20 a.m. (WAT), at the priest’s residence. Rev. Fr. Asuwaye is the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan”
The statement expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe and speedy release of Rev. Fr. Asuwaye and the other abducted victims.
The diocese also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives during the attack.
The statement further entrusted the victims to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while urging continued solidarity and prayers amid the worsening security situation in parts of Kaduna State.
