Violent Early Morning Attack in Kaduna State
Kaduna State, Nigeria — Armed assailants launched a predawn attack in the Kauru area of northern Nigeria’s Kaduna State, resulting in the deaths of three people and the abduction of a Catholic priest and several villagers. The armed raid occurred around 3:20 a.m., according to local church officials and eyewitness accounts.
The clergyman identified as Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku village, was among those kidnapped. Church leaders said up to 10 residents were taken during the assault in addition to the priest.
Conflicting Accounts and Security Response
Local police provided a slightly different version of the incident, asserting that five people, including the priest, were abducted, and identifying the three fatalities as two soldiers and one police officer who were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers. Security forces reportedly pursued the gunmen and have since cordoned off the area.
This incident comes on the heels of other violent episodes in the region, including the recent rescue of more than 160 worshippers abducted from separate church attacks elsewhere in Kaduna State.
Rising Insecurity and Calls for Action
The raid underscores persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target civilians for kidnappings and violence. Rights organisations have criticised the government’s response to the growing security crisis, urging greater protection for rural communities and places of worship.
Local leaders and residents have called for increased support and effective measures to curb the spread of militant assaults that have disrupted life and heightened fear across several states in the region.
