suspected bandits attacked the Karku community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and the abduction of a Catholic priest alongside 10 other residents.

​Target: The residence of the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, and surrounding homes.​Time: The invasion occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m.​Casualties: Three individuals were confirmed killed during the raid:​Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi​Mr. Maitala Kaura​Alhaji Kusari​Abductees: Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye was whisked away into the forest along with 10 other villagers.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the incident through its Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet. The Diocese expressed “profound sadness” and has called on the Christian faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for the safe and speedy release of the victims.​Security sources indicate that a manhunt has been launched by the Kaduna State Police Command to track the attackers, who are believed to be operating within the dense forests of the Kauru axis.

This attack comes at a time of heightened security tension in Kaduna. While security forces recently celebrated the rescue of over 160 worshippers abducted in January, this fresh raid underscores the persistent vulnerability of rural communities to “security of life” challenges.​Some reports also indicate that bandits in nearby areas (like Kagarko) have been active recently, with the abduction of a Chief Imam and a community leader reported just days prior, highlighting a coordinated surge in kidnappings across the state.