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Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed three residents and abducted a Catholic priest alongside 10 other persons in an attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were seized during an early morning raid on Saturday, February 7, 2026, which residents said occurred around 3:20 a.m.
Ejes Gist News reports that the abducted cleric is Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku. He was taken from his residence together with members of the community after armed assailants stormed the area.
Catholic Church Confirms Abduction
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the incident in an official statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet.
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“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, with deep sorrow, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State,” the statement read.
The church authority disclosed that 10 other residents were abducted in the same attack, while three persons were killed.
Victims Identified
Those killed in the assault were identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari.
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According to community sources, the attackers arrived heavily armed, fired sporadically to create panic, and moved from house to house before taking their victims away.
The archdiocese described the incident as tragic and appealed for prayers for the safe return of the abducted persons.
“This terrible event has resulted in the killing of three people, aside from those abducted,” the statement added.
“We invite all priests, Christian faithful and men and women of goodwill to pray for Fr. Nathaniel, the other abducted persons and for the repose of the souls of those killed.”
Christian Association Reacts
Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, condemned the attack, describing it as another indication of the deteriorating security situation in the region.
“This is a sad story. The kidnapping of Christian priests and innocent citizens is becoming unbearable despite all efforts to curb this evil,” Hayab said.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and places of worship.
Security Agencies Respond
Security sources at the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that joint teams of police and military personnel had been deployed to the area.
According to an officer familiar with the operation, security forces engaged the attackers in gun battles around the Kauru axis shortly after the incident.
“We believe the bandits have not left the area. With God’s help, we are hopeful they will be apprehended,” the source said.
The latest attack adds to a series of kidnappings and violent raids that have affected several communities in Kaduna State, heightening concerns over rural security and the safety of religious leaders and civilians.
