ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a Catholic priest and several other residents while killing three security operatives during a violent attack on Ningi village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that the abducted cleric is Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku community.
Although the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to officially confirm the incident, local sources said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday at about 3:20 a.m., when armed men stormed the priest’s residence.
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Church authorities disclosed that Reverend Father Asuwaye was taken away alongside several other individuals during the raid.
In the course of rescue efforts, three security operatives deployed to secure the release of the abducted victims were ambushed and killed by the attackers.
Confirming the development, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, described the incident as a tragic loss for both the church and the affected community, while also confirming the deaths of the three security personnel.
Meanwhile, security agencies have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Sources at the Kaduna State Police Command said operatives are currently combing the Kauru area in an effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.