Armed gunmen stormed the residence of a Catholic priest in northern Nigeria’s Kaduna state early Saturday, killing three residents and abducting the clergyman along with 10 other people in the latest incident highlighting the region’s persistent security challenges.
The attack occurred around 3:20 a.m. (0220 GMT) in Karku, located in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna state, according to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. The assailants targeted the home of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku.
“With profound sadness, 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, Nigeria,” the diocese said in its statement. It confirmed that three residents lost their lives during the assault, while Asuwaye and 10 others were taken away by the gunmen.
The diocese described the incident as a brazen act of violence and called on the faithful to pray for the safe release of the abducted victims and for comfort for the families of those killed.
A Kaduna police spokesperson confirmed the attack but provided slightly differing details, stating that five people had been abducted in total and that the three killed were members of security forces. However, church sources consistently reported 11 abductions, including the priest, and civilian deaths.
The gunmen, often referred to in local reports as bandits or terrorists, fled with their captives, likely into nearby forests or remote areas common in such kidnappings. No group has yet claimed responsibility, and it remains unclear whether a ransom demand has been made.
This incident underscores the ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom, targeting vulnerable communities, schools, and religious figures. Kaduna state has been particularly affected, with recent mass abductions from churches and schools adding pressure on authorities.
The attack comes amid broader challenges for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has pledged to curb banditry, militancy, and kidnappings since taking office in 2023. Despite security operations, such as “Operation Fushin Kada” (Anger of Crocodile) in Kaduna, violent incidents persist in rural areas.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan urged prayers for the victims and called for enhanced security measures to protect clergy and parishioners. Local residents and security forces have reportedly mobilized to track the abductors, but no updates on rescues or negotiations were available as of Sunday.
This event is part of a troubling pattern of violence against religious leaders in the region, with several priests and clergy members abducted or killed in recent years amid the complex mix of banditry and extremism.
Authorities have not released further details on the victims’ identities beyond the priest, nor on any pursuit efforts. The community remains on edge as families await news of their loved ones’ safety.