Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, along with ten other persons, has been abducted following a violent early-morning attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigerian authorities and church sources have confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. on February 7, 2026, when gunmen stormed the priest’s residence and seized him and several residents. The assault left three individuals dead.
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, operates under the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan. Church officials described the attackers as armed terrorists who launched a coordinated raid on the rural community. Local residents reported that the assailants arrived in force, targeting the priest’s home among other locations in the settlement before abducting victims.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the developments and appealed for calm and collective prayer. Church leaders specifically called on fellow clergy, worshippers and people of goodwill to pray for the safe and urgent release of Rev. Fr. Asuwaye and the other captives. The archdiocese also mourned the three victims who lost their lives in the predawn attack, emphasising the tragic impact on both the local and broader faith communities.
Kaduna State has experienced a spate of abductions and violent raids by armed groups targeting rural communities, including religious figures and civilians. Security forces have launched manhunts in the region following the latest incident, but officials have not yet provided details on the scope or progress of rescue efforts.
The abducted priest’s plight underscores persistent insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where insurgent, bandit and extremist activity often threatens villagers, places of worship and clergy. Local authorities and community leaders continue to appeal for enhanced security operations and support to protect vulnerable populations.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments