Suspected bandits unleashed fresh violence in Kaduna State on Saturday, killing three people and abducting a Catholic priest, an Imam, and at least 10 others in separate attacks.
In Karku community, Kauru Local Government Area, gunmen attacked around 3:20 am, killing three residents—identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari—and abducting Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, alongside 10 villagers.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction in a statement by Chancellor Jacob Shanet, calling for prayers. “This terrible event has resulted in the killing of three people, aside from those abducted,” Shanet lamented.
In a separate incident in Kagarko LGA, bandits kidnapped the Chief Imam of Janjala Central Mosque, Bello Abdullahi, and a Fulani community leader, Shehu Bello. The attackers also invaded villages including Iddo and Gidan-Makeri, rustling cattle and forcing residents to flee.
A community source said the Imam was taken from his home around 9 pm on Tuesday by heavily armed gunmen. The abductions followed a reported seven-day ransom ultimatum from bandits for a previously kidnapped woman and her four children, which expired without security intervention.
Reacting to the priest's kidnapping, Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, described it as "another grim reminder of the worsening security situation." He stated, “The kidnapping of Christian priests and innocent citizens is becoming unbearable.”
Security sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said joint military and police teams engaged the attackers in gun battles in the Kauru axis and were hopeful of apprehending them.
Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, for official confirmation were unsuccessful, as his line was unreachable.
The coordinated attacks highlight the persistent and escalating insecurity in Kaduna's rural communities, where religious and community leaders are increasingly targeted.
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