Manny Ita
Gunmen have attacked a Catholic priest’s residence in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing three villagers and abducting 11 persons, including the priest, in the early hours of Saturday.
The assailants were said to have stormed the residence in the early morning, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents of the community before carrying out the abductions. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house after breaching the priest’s residence, seizing victims at gunpoint.
A resident of the area said the victims included women and youths who were taken into nearby bush paths by the gunmen. “They came around dawn, shooting heavily. Three people were killed on the spot, and they took the priest and others away,” the resident said.
Security sources confirmed the incident, noting that the bodies of the three villagers had been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to rescue those abducted. A source said troops and other security personnel had been deployed to the area. “We are on the trail of the perpetrators, and operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims,” the source said.
The Kaduna State Police Command also confirmed the attack, describing it as a “sad and unfortunate incident,” and appealed to residents to remain calm while security agencies intensify operations in the area.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna, where incidents of banditry and kidnappings have persisted despite ongoing security efforts.
