Catholic priest, 10 others abducted in fresh Kaduna attack

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A Catholic priest and 10 other persons have been kidnapped, while three people were killed by terrorists in Karku community of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

There was no official statement on the incident by the Kaduna Police Command at the time of this report. However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the incident.

A statement by the Kafanchan Diocesan Chancellor of the Catholic Church, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, read in part: “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

“Fr Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside 10 other people at Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.”

Rev. Father Shanet stated that the terrible event occurred at about 03:20 (WAT) at his residence of the priest. The situation was described by the villagers as an act of invasion by a group of terrorists.

He noted that abduction resulted in the killing of three people (Mr Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari), aside from those abducted.

He stated further: “We kindly invite all priests, Christian faithful, and men and women of goodwill to pray for Fr Nathaniel, the other 10 people, and the repose of the souls of those who were killed during the attack.

“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of all priests and help of Christians, for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evildoers.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, who reacted to the kidnapping and killings in Kauru community said: “This is a sad story; the kidnapping is getting too much. It is sad that the kidnapping of Christian priest and other citizens is unabated, and is still rearing its ugly head despite all efforts put a stop to this evil.

“We still remain hopeful and we are praying with the Catholic Church and the parish of the priest that has been kidnapped; and calling on the security agents to take measure to arrest this growing incident of kidnapping and killings.”