Bandits kill three, abduct Catholic priest and 10 others in Kaduna

Suspected bandits abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, 10 villagers and k!lled three others during an early morning attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku and other victims were kidnapped around 3:20am on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

According to residents, the heavily armed terrorists stormed the community, shot sporadically and whisked their victims away. 

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Jacob Shanet, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Saturday, calling on Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the victims.

“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,” Shanet said

He added that the priest was abducted alongside 10 other residents during the attack, which left three people d3ad.

The deceased were identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari.

According to the diocese, the attackers invaded the priest’s residence and nearby homes, leaving the community in shock and fear.

“This terrible event has resulted in the k!lling of three people, aside from those abducted,” the statement read.

The diocese urged prayers for the safe release of the abducted victims.

“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.” 

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Joseph Hayab, described the attack as another grim reminder of the worsening 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

Security sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said a joint team of the military and police had engaged the attackers in gun battles in the Kauru axis.

“We believe the bandits have not left the area. With God’s help, we are hopeful they will be apprehended,” a police source said.