By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Eleven people, including Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, have been kidnapped in Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, while three others were killed. The deceased have been identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.
Fr. Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, was abducted from his residence around 3:20 a.m. on Friday, family sources said.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan described the attack as a violent invasion by armed men. In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, the Diocese said the abductors stormed the area in large numbers, creating fear and confusion before taking their victims to an unknown location.
While security agencies are yet to issue an official response, the Diocese has called on priests, religious members, lay faithful, and people of goodwill to intensify prayers for the safe release of Fr. Asuwaye and the other abductees.
“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of all priests and help of Christians, for their speedy and safe release,” the statement added.
Residents of Karku have appealed to the government and security agencies to increase surveillance, citing repeated security threats in recent months.
Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
