Gunmen abduct Catholic priest, others as 3 security operatives killed in Kaduna

Suspected bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and several other individuals in Ningi village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while three security operatives were killed during a rescue operation.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Karku community.

Although the Kaduna State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement, residents said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, at about 3:20 a.m., when armed men stormed the priest’s residence.

Nathaniel Asuwaye

According to church authorities, Father Asuwaye was taken alongside several other persons during the raid.

In the course of efforts to rescue the abducted victims, three security operatives deployed to the area were ambushed and killed by the assailants.

The Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing deep sorrow over what he described as a tragic moment for the church and the local community. He also confirmed the deaths of the three security personnel.

Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the attackers. Sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said operatives are currently combing Kauru and surrounding areas in an effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.