Bandits Kill Three, Abduct Catholic Priest and Ten Others in Fresh Kaduna Community Attack

At least three people have been killed and more than ten others abducted, including a Catholic priest, following a renewed attack by suspected bandits in Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has once again underscored the persistent insecurity confronting rural communities in parts of northern Nigeria.

The abducted cleric has been identified as Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. According to church authorities, the attackers stormed the community in an organised manner, overwhelming residents and security structures before fleeing with their captives.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, confirmed the attack and described it as brutal and traumatic. He disclosed that the gunmen arrived at approximately 3:20 a.m. (WAT) and targeted the residence of Reverend Father Asuwaye, from where the priest was forcefully taken.

The statement further revealed that three residents lost their lives during the assault. The victims were identified as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. Several other residents were also abducted, bringing the total number of those taken to at least eleven persons, although local sources suggest the figure could be higher.

According to eyewitness accounts relayed by the diocese, the attackers were heavily armed and operated with apparent coordination, leading residents to describe them as terrorists rather than ordinary criminals. The speed and scale of the attack left villagers with little opportunity to resist or seek help, as the gunmen moved swiftly through the community before retreating into surrounding areas.

The Catholic Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the incident, lamenting the loss of lives and the continued targeting of clergy and civilians in the region. In its statement, the diocese called on priests, Christians, and people of goodwill to pray for the safe and unconditional release of Reverend Father Asuwaye and the other abducted victims.

“We commend the souls of those who lost their lives to the mercy of God and pray for consolation for their families,” the statement read. It also urged the faithful to remain united and steadfast despite the growing challenges posed by insecurity.

This latest attack adds to a troubling pattern of violent assaults and kidnappings in southern Kaduna, an area that has experienced repeated attacks on rural communities, religious leaders, and travellers over the years. Despite military operations and security interventions, armed groups continue to exploit difficult terrain, weak intelligence networks, and limited security presence to carry out deadly raids.

The abduction of clergy has become an increasing concern for religious institutions in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by banditry and insurgency. Church leaders have repeatedly appealed to government authorities to strengthen security measures, protect vulnerable communities, and address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of illegal weapons.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the attack or the steps being taken to rescue the abducted victims. Residents of Karku community are said to be living in fear, with many calling for increased security patrols and sustained government intervention.

The Kaduna State Government and federal authorities have faced mounting pressure from civil society groups, religious bodies, and local leaders to adopt more decisive and coordinated strategies to curb banditry and protect lives. For communities like Karku, however, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their loved ones and an end to the cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent lives.