Suspected bandits have killed three persons and abducted a Catholic priest alongside 10 other residents during a deadly early-morning attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Among those abducted is Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Saturday, the Diocesan Chancellor of Kafanchan Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, said the assailants were described by residents as terrorists who stormed the community in a coordinated operation.
According to the statement, the attack claimed the lives of three residents identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari, while several others were taken away by the attackers.
Providing details of the incident, the diocese disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026, stating:
“At about 3:20 a.m. (WAT), at the priest’s residence. Rev. Fr. Asuwaye is the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.”
The diocese expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and appealed to priests, Christian faithful, and people of goodwill to pray fervently for the safe and speedy release of Rev. Fr. Asuwaye and the other abducted victims.
It also offered prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives during the attack.
The statement further entrusted the victims to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while urging sustained solidarity and prayers in the face of the worsening security situation in parts of Kaduna State.
