A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, and 10 other residents have been abducted by suspected terrorists in Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack, which occurred at around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, also left three people dead, including Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan headed by Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and appealed for prayers for those affected.
The statement reads: “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 LGA 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 called on priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe release of the victims and for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack.
“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.
Meanwhile, Reverend Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, described the incident as distressing and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to address the growing cases of kidnappings and killings.
The police are yet to respond to inquiries on the incident.
