Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and several other persons, while three security operatives were killed during a rescue operation in Ningi village, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Karku community.
Although the police are yet to officially comment on the incident, residents said the attack occurred around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, when armed men invaded the priest’s residence.
Church officials disclosed that Father Asuwaye was taken alongside other individuals during the raid.
Meanwhile, three security operatives deployed to rescue the abducted victims were reportedly ambushed and killed by the attackers.
In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful moment for both the church and the community. He also confirmed the deaths of the three security personnel.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the assailants. Sources within the Kaduna State Police Command said operatives are combing parts of Kauru LGA in a bid to rescue the abducted victims and arrest those behind the attack.