By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Suspected bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and 10 other residents, while killing three persons during a fresh attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, who was taken alongside other victims in the early hours of Saturday.

In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, the Church expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for prayers for the abducted victims.

“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 Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement read.

According to the Chancellor, the attackers stormed the priest’s residence at about 3:20 a.m., an assault described by residents as an invasion by armed terrorists.

“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people at Karku. As at the time of filing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three persons — Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura and Alhaji Kusari — aside from those abducted,” Shanet said.

The Diocese urged priests, Christian faithful and people of goodwill to pray for the safe and speedy release of the abducted victims, while also offering prayers for the repose of the souls of those killed.

“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their quick and safe release from the hands of these evildoers,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, described the incident as disturbing, noting that kidnappings and killings have continued to escalate despite efforts to curb the menace.

“This is a very sad development. The rate of kidnapping is becoming alarming, and it is unfortunate that the abduction of Christian priests and other citizens remains unabated,” Hayab said.

He, however, expressed hope for the safe return of the victims and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to stem the rising tide of insecurity in the region.

“We are hopeful and praying with the Catholic Church and the parish of the kidnapped priest, while urging security agencies to take decisive steps to arrest this growing menace,” he added.

As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had yet to respond to inquiries on the incident.