Tragedy struck Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday as suspected bandits killed three residents and abducted a Catholic priest along with 10 others in a violent attack that has left the community in shock.
The abducted priest has been identified as Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. Fr. Asuwaye and the other victims were seized during a coordinated early morning raid on the priest’s residence at about 3:20 a.m. local time.
In a statement released on Saturday, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, said the attackers struck in an organised manner, overwhelming the community and creating panic among residents.
“The attackers came in an organised manner and overran the community,” Fr. Shanet said. “They are terrorists who killed three innocent residents and kidnapped our parish priest along with 10 others.”
The statement confirmed that the three residents killed were Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. Several other residents were also abducted during the violent incident, though their identities have not yet been fully disclosed.
Karku community has in recent years experienced multiple attacks by armed gangs, raising serious concerns about security in rural areas of Kaduna State. Bandits, often heavily armed, are known to carry out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and violent raids that disrupt local life and cause widespread fear.
According to Fr. Shanet, the diocese is deeply saddened by the incident and has appealed to members of the clergy, Christians, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe return of those abducted. The statement also called on the faithful to remember the deceased in prayer and seek comfort in faith.
“While we grieve for those who lost their lives, we place the victims of this attack in our prayers,” the statement read. “We call for unity and support among the faithful and the broader community as insecurity continues to affect parts of Kaduna State.”
The attack in Karku reflects a growing pattern of insecurity in Kaduna and other parts of Northern Nigeria, where rural communities are often targeted by armed groups. Over the past decade, Kaduna State has been a flashpoint for violent attacks, kidnappings, and clashes between bandits, herders, and local residents.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force and the military, have intensified patrols and launched operations to combat banditry in the state. Despite these efforts, attacks on villages, religious leaders, and residents continue, creating fear and displacement among vulnerable communities.
The abduction of a Catholic priest is particularly alarming because religious leaders often serve as pillars of their communities. Fr. Asuwaye’s kidnapping has raised urgent calls from religious organisations and civil society groups for stronger protection measures for clergy and citizens in rural areas.
In addition to the immediate tragedy, the incident underscores the social and economic impact of bandit attacks on communities. Families of victims often face trauma, loss of income, and displacement, while local economies are disrupted due to fear and uncertainty.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, through Fr. Shanet, urged the government, security agencies, and community leaders to continue coordinated efforts to combat insecurity and bring abductors to justice.
“We call on the authorities to intensify security and protect our communities from further attacks,” the statement said. “It is our hope that with prayer, community support, and timely intervention by security agencies, those abducted will return safely.”
Community leaders in Kauru Local Government Area also expressed outrage over the attack, describing it as shocking and unacceptable. Many residents said the raid at the priest’s residence was evidence of the increasing boldness of armed groups operating in the region.
In previous attacks in Kaduna and neighbouring states, bandits have often targeted religious institutions, schools, and villages, seeking ransom or revenge. Experts warn that unless security measures are strengthened and local intelligence networks improved, communities will remain at risk.
The Karku attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by rural communities in Northern Nigeria, where access to security support is often limited, and the response time of security agencies can be slow.
For now, the focus remains on the safe return of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye and the other abducted residents, while families and community members mourn the deaths of Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.
As the situation develops, local authorities and the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan are expected to continue coordinating with security agencies and the wider community to ensure that those kidnapped are freed and that further attacks are prevented.