Bandits have killed at least seven people and abducted a Catholic priest alongside 10 other residents during a deadly early-morning attack on Karku (Ningi) village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack occurred at about 3:20 a.m. on Saturday when armed men stormed the community, opening fire and abducting residents from their homes, local sources said.
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The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, who serves as the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku.
“With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku,” the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, said in a statement.
“Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten other people during an attack on the community at about 3:20 a.m. at his residence. At the time of this report, the incident had resulted in the killing of three people, aside from those abducted,” he added.
However, residents later confirmed that the death toll had risen to seven. A village source said four additional victims were killed after the initial report, including two security personnel deployed to protect the area.
The National President of the Akurmi Development Association, Mr. Yakubu J. Maigamo, confirmed the updated figures, saying the victims included five community members and two security officers.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on our people,” Mr. Maigamo said. “Our hearts go out to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”
He added that three members of a local vigilante group were still missing following the attack, while four other residents sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Mr. Maigamo called on the federal and Kaduna State governments, as well as security agencies, to act swiftly to rescue those abducted and prevent further attacks in the area.
“We urge the authorities to intensify security operations, rescue the abducted victims, and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice,” he said.
Southern Kaduna has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years, with residents often accusing authorities of failing to provide adequate security for vulnerable rural communities.
