TERRORISTS KIDNAP CATHOLIC PRIEST, 10 RESIDENTS, KILL THREE IN KADUNA ATTACK

Suspected terrorists have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, alongside 10 other residents during an early morning attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred at about 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, also claimed the lives of three residents identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan, led by Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the abduction and killings, while calling for prayers for the victims and their families.

The statement read in part: “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, with profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku. At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people — Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari — aside from those abducted.”

The diocese appealed to priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe release of those abducted and for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

“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 (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the attack as distressing and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising cases of kidnappings and killings in the region.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident.