Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched a terrifying predawn raid on the quiet community of Karku in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving at least three residents dead and abducting a Catholic priest along with ten other villagers.
The attack unfolded around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday at the residence of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan. According to a statement from the diocese's Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, the assailants—described by locals as a well-organized group of terrorists—stormed the area, overpowered the community, and carried out the killings and abductions in a matter of minutes.
The diocese expressed profound sadness over the incident, confirming that Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye was taken alongside ten other individuals. Among the victims killed were Mr. Jacob Dan'azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. Church sources described the assault as a brazen invasion that has deepened fears amid ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Police and security operatives responded to the scene, engaging the attackers in a gun battle. While some bandits were reportedly neutralized, conflicting accounts emerged regarding casualties—church officials stuck to the figure of three civilian deaths, while some security sources mentioned additional losses among pursuing forces, including two soldiers and a police officer in related clashes.
The incident comes just days after a major rescue operation freed 166 worshippers abducted in earlier church-related raids elsewhere in Kaduna, underscoring the persistent threat posed by armed groups in the region. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers, with the area cordoned off as efforts continue to secure the release of Fr. Asuwaye and the other victims.
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