Gunmen Kill Three, Abduct Catholic Priest in Kaduna

At least three people have been killed following an early morning attack by gunmen on Karku community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The local Catholic diocese said in a statement that the attack happened at approximately 3:20 a.m. (0220 GMT).

During the incident, the attackers abducted a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Nathaniel Asuwaye of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, along with several other individuals, after storming the cleric’s residence.

A spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the attack but gave a different account of the number of people abducted, saying five persons were taken away.

Gunmen Kill Three, Abduct Catholic Priest in Kaduna. Credit: Business Day.

The police also said the three people killed were security personnel.

According to the spokesperson, security forces engaged the attackers in a gun battle during the incident.

“Security agents exchanged gunfire with the bandits, killed some of them, and unfortunately, two soldiers and a police officer lost their lives,” he said.

The attack comes days after security agencies rescued 166 worshippers who were abducted in separate attacks on two churches in other parts of the state.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.