The Pathfinder
Sunday February 8, 2026
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Bandits again attacked Karku community of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early morning of Saturday killing three people and the abducted about 11 people, including a prominent Catholic priest.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the kidnapping of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku. The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, the Church expressed profound sadness over the “invasion” of the priest’s residence.
“With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye,” the statement read. “Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside 10 other people at Karku… Villagers described the attack as an invasion carried out by a group of terrorists.”
According to local accounts, the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically. In the ensuing violence, three villagers were killed before the gunmen retreated into the forest with their captives.
Sources within the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives have been deployed to the Kauru axis. A manhunt is currently underway to track down the assailants and secure the safe release of the priest and the 10 other victims.
The Kauru axis has recently become a flashpoint for banditry and communal violence, leading to increased calls for more permanent security presence in the rural communities bordering the forest zones.
The Archdiocese has appealed to the faithful for prayers for the safe return of the victims, noting that this latest incident adds to the growing list of clergy targeted by kidnappers in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers have yet to establish contact with the families or the Church to make any ransom demands.
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