Terror in Southern Kaduna: Catholic Priest, 10 Others Abducted in Deadly Midnight Raid
KADUNA, NIGERIA — In a chilling escalation of violence in Southern Kaduna, a group of armed terrorists invaded the Karku community in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026. The attack resulted in the abduction of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye and 10 parishioners, leaving three others dead in their wake.
The Midnight Siege
The invasion reportedly began around 3:20 AM at the rectory of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku. Villagers described a scene of chaos as the attackers stormed the residence and the surrounding community.
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Dr. Jacob Shanet, the Kafanchan Diocese confirmed the names of the three individuals murdered during the raid:
- Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi
- Mr. Maitala Kaura
- Alhaji Kusari
A Diocese Under Fire
This latest incident is part of a harrowing pattern of violence targeting the Kafanchan Diocese over the past year. The report highlights a string of tragedies that have left the local Christian community in a state of perpetual mourning:
- March 2025: Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu was murdered on Ash Wednesday after being snatched from his home.
- April 2025: Fr. Ibrahim Amos was abducted from his residence in Kauru LGA.
- September 2025: A seminarian, Na’aman Danlami, was burned to death when terrorists set fire to the St. Raphael Parish rectory.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
The Church has expressed deep frustration over the lack of arrests and prosecution, noting that diocesan property worth millions has been destroyed with little to no government compensation.
The Catholic authorities have issued an urgent call for prayer for the safe release of Fr. Nathaniel and the 10 villagers. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the President Bola Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric and ensure security forces actively hunt down the perpetrators behind these relentless "nefarious activities."
"The situation was described by the villagers as an act of invasion... we entrust them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evil doers." — Fr. Dr. Jacob Shanet, Diocesan Chancellor
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