Priest ∆bducted as gunmen att∆ck Kaduna village again

ESCRAVROS RIVER, NIGERIA: ESCRAVOS RIVER, Nigeria: Nigerian separatist rebel brandish their weapons in a show of strength for reporters, 24 February 2006. The self-styled Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has in recent weeks cut Nigeria’s oil output by 20 percent in a series of attacks on oil plants and pipelines. They have taken nine foreign oil workers hostage and are demanding that the Nigerian army pull out of the region. AFP PHOTO DAVE CLARK (Photo credit should read DAVE CLA

Priest abducted as gunmen attack Kaduna village again

Suspected bandits have killed three people and abducted a Catholic priest along with 10 others during a fresh attack in a Kaduna State community.

The incident occurred in Karku community of Kauru Local Government Area.

The abducted priest is Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku.

In a statement on Saturday, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, said residents described the attackers as terrorists who came in an organised manner and overran the community.

The statement confirmed that three residents lost their lives in the attack. They were named as Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. Several other people were also taken away by the attackers.

According to the diocese, the attack took place in the early hours of Saturday. It said the incident occurred at about 3:20 am (WAT), at the priest’s residence.

Rev. Fr. Asuwaye is the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, under the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.

The diocese expressed sadness over the incident and appealed for prayers for those abducted.

It urged priests, Christians, and people of goodwill to pray for the victims’ safe return.

The statement also asked for prayers for those who died in the attack and remembered them in faith.

In addition, the diocese said it was placing the victims in prayer and called for unity and continued support as insecurity continues to affect parts of Kaduna State.