Security challenges in Kaduna,a North West state intensifies as gunmen suspected to be bandits kidnapped a Catholic priest and several other individuals in Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The assailants also killed three security operatives during rescue efforts in Ningi village in the same local government area.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku community.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, at about 3:20 a.m., when armed men stormed the priest’s residence.
Church authorities stated that the priest was taken along with several other individuals during the raid.
Furthermore ,three security operatives, who were among the troops deployed to rescue the victims, were ambushed and killed by the bandits.
In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragic moment for both the church and the local community. He also confirmed the deaths of the three security operatives.
Security agencies are said to have launched a manhunt for the attackers in an effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those the culprits.
