Gunmen Kill Three and Kidnap Catholic Priest in Kaduna, Nigeria

Gunmen attacked a clergyman’s residence in Kaduna state, Nigeria, killing three people and abducting Catholic priest Nathaniel Asuwaye along with several others. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in the region, while Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the victims and urged authorities to protect civilians.

Gunmen carried out a violent attack on a clergyman’s residence in northern Nigeria’s Kaduna state early on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of three people and the abduction of a Catholic priest along with several others. The assault took place in Kauru district at approximately 3:20 a.m. (0220 GMT), highlighting the persistent insecurity and rising violence that has plagued the region in recent years. According to the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, the priest abducted in the attack was identified as Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku. In addition to Father Asuwaye, the diocese reported that 10 other individuals were taken during the incident, while three residents of the area were killed during the attack.
Authorities in Kaduna have confirmed the incident, although details differ slightly. A spokesperson for the Kaduna police stated that five people were abducted in total and that the three fatalities were members of the security forces. “Security agents exchanged gunfire with the bandits, killed some of them, and unfortunately two soldiers and a police officer lost their lives,” the spokesperson said. The exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel indicates that the bandits were heavily armed and prepared to confront law enforcement during the abduction.
This latest attack comes shortly after security forces successfully rescued 166 worshippers who had been abducted in separate assaults on two churches elsewhere in Kaduna state. The recurrence of such violent incidents underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the region, where kidnappings, raids, and attacks on religious sites have become increasingly frequent. Local communities continue to live under threat, and security agencies remain on high alert as they attempt to respond to both preventative and reactive measures against armed groups operating in the area.
In response to the attacks, Pope Leo addressed the situation during his weekly address at St. Peter’s Square, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. “I hope that the competent authorities will continue to act with determination to ensure the security and protection of every citizen's life,” he said, emphasizing the need for vigilance and decisive action by local authorities to protect civilians. His message reflects the broader international concern regarding the escalation of violence in northern Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting religious communities.
The attack on Father Asuwaye and other civilians has sparked outrage and renewed calls for increased security measures and greater protection for vulnerable communities. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by clergy and religious institutions in regions affected by armed groups and violent crime, and underscores the need for coordinated responses by security forces, community leaders, and national authorities to prevent further tragedies. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to locate the kidnapped priest and other victims, while local communities remain on edge, hoping for their safe return.