Nigerians React as Terrorists Kill Seven, Abduct Catholic Priest After Deadly Attack in Kaduna

Nigerians React as Terrorists Kill Seven, Abduct Catholic Priest After Deadly Attack in Kaduna

  • Bandits launched a deadly attack on Karku village in Southern Kaduna, leaving seven people dead and several others injured
  • A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, was abducted alongside ten villagers during the early morning raid
  • Community leaders condemned the violence and urged urgent government action to rescue the kidnapped and bring the attackers to justice

Bandits attacked the village of Karku (Ningi) in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Saturday, February 7, killing seven people and abducting a Catholic priest along with ten others.

The incident occurred around 3.20am, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirms kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye and ten villagers by terrorists in Kaduna.
Bandits attack Karku village in Southern Kaduna, killing seven people and abducting a Catholic priest. Photo credit: Zagazola Makama/x
Source: Twitter

Catholic diocese confirms kidnapping

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku.

The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, stated:

“With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye… Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten (10) other people… This terrible event occurred at about 03:20 am (WAT) at his residence… At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people aside from those abducted.”

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Kaduna: Tension as bandits abduct top Catholic priest, 10 others, kill people, photo of cleric surfaces

Security officers and vigilante members face deadly violence as bandits intensify attacks in Kaduna State.
Community leaders condemn brutal banditry in Southern Kaduna and demand urgent government action. Photo credit: Legit Nigeria
Source: Original

Rising death toll and injuries

Zagaxola MaKama reported that the initial attack left three people dead, but the toll later rose to seven. Among the victims were two security officers and five community members.

Three members of a local vigilante group were also declared missing, while four others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Community leaders react to Kaduna bandit attack

Yakubu J. Maigamo, the national president of the Akurmi Development Association, confirmed the total number of deaths and expressed grief over the attack.

He said:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on our people… Our hearts go out to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”

He urged both federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to take immediate action to rescue those abducted and ensure justice for the victims.

The attack highlighted ongoing insecurity in Southern Kaduna, where communities have repeatedly faced violent raids. Residents and leaders stressed the need for stronger government intervention to protect lives and property, as well as to prevent further tragedies.

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Ezekiel Akhahon said:

“Every day bad news from naija .. naija no dey fight war with another country but people wey dey die for naija many pass countries wey dey fight war.”

Osas Obasohan said:

“Nigeria is really in a mess right now. And the leaders? More concern about the next election. Residents disclose content of letter sent to them before massacre.”

Theodera Ekwueme said:

“God have mercy. They will come back safely in Jesus name.”

See the X post below:

Kwara residents reveal letter sent before massacre

Legit.ng earlier reported that fresh details emerged on the deadly attack carried out by suspected jihadist fighters in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama local government area of Kwara state, where residents said the assailants sent a letter to the community before launching the massacre.

Legit.ng reports that more than 100 residents of the Woro community in Kaiama local government area (LGA) of Kwara state have been killed following a deadly invasion by suspected terrorists linked to Boko Haram.

Community sources who escaped the attack told Legit.ng in exclusive interviews on Wednesday, January 4, that the attackers stormed Woro on Tuesday evening, January 3, shooting sporadically, killing residents, and setting houses ablaze. Survivors and local leaders said the attackers, described as more than 100 armed men, arrived on motorcycles and wore what appeared to be army fatigues, sparking fear and confusion as the assault began.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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