Gunmen suspected to be bandits have kidnapped Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku community, along with several other individuals, during a raid in Ningi village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of the priest in the early hours of Saturday, around 3:20 a.m., when heavily armed attackers stormed his residence.
Church authorities stated that Father Asuwaye was taken alongside several other residents during the coordinated operation.
In a related development, three security operatives deployed to rescue the victims were ambushed and killed by the bandits during the operation.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, described the incident as a tragic moment for the church and the local community, expressing deep sorrow over the abduction and the deaths of the three operatives.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the attackers. Sources at the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that operatives are combing the Kauru area to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
The latest attack adds to the persistent insecurity challenges in rural parts of Kaduna State, where bandit groups frequently target communities, religious leaders, and security personnel.
No official casualty or abduction figures have been released by the police as of press time, but the incident has heightened fears among residents in the area.
Authorities are yet to provide further details on the rescue efforts or the condition of the abducted priest and others taken during the raid.
