Gunmen raided Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku, Kaduna State, Nigeria, on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The attackers abducted the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, along with 10 other people. In addition, the violent assault claimed the lives of three innocent residents. This tragic event shocked not only the local community but also observers across Nigeria and around the world.
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The raid struck in the early hours of the morning, around 3:20 a.m. local time, in Karku, a village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Residents and local church officials described the event as a coordinated attack by heavily armed terrorists. Many have called for urgent action from security agencies and prayers for the victims and their families. [Source]
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Violence and Fear in Karku Community
The gunmen stormed the residence attached to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, firing sporadically into the stillness of the night. As a result, three people were killed. Local sources identified the deceased as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari. Immediately after the shooting, the attackers seized Fr. Asuwaye and 10 others, taking them deeper into nearby bushland. Villagers described the incident as sudden and terrifying. They stated the gunmen showed no warning and shouted commands before dragging away the abductees. [Source]
Despite the horror of the moment, some villagers ran to seek help while others hid in their homes or fled into the darkness. They contacted church leaders and security agencies, but the attackers vanished quickly. The entire event lasted mere minutes, yet its impact continues to resonate across the community. [Source]
Scene of the Attack and Community Response
The people of Karku experienced this attack as a deeply personal trauma. Many reported hearing shots that woke them from sleep and saw smoke and chaos in their neighbourhood. They found neighbours hurt and praying for help. Families of the abducted are pleading for their safe return, reaching out to local leaders, church officials, and national authorities. The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the incident and called on priests, lay people, and believers of goodwill to unite in prayer for the victims. [Source]
Clergy have urged calm amid fear, reminding villagers to support each other and not allow despair to spread. These calls reflect the strength of faith in the region, even in the face of grave danger. [Source]
Who Was Targeted and Why It Matters
Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye was a well-known leader in his parish, respected for his calm leadership, guidance, and involvement in community projects. The other 10 abducted individuals were ordinary villagers, including families, elders, and youth. Their only “fault” was being present in their homes or community in the early morning. Such mass abductions are drawing growing concern across Nigeria, especially in regions that have faced repeated attacks by armed gangs. [Source]
Terror and Criminal Labels: Bandits vs. Terrorists
Media and local officials vary in how they describe the attackers. Some call them “terrorists” because of the brutality and coordination of the attack, while others refer to them as “bandits,” a term for armed groups engaging in kidnappings and extortion. What is clear is that these assailants are heavily armed with the intent to terrorize civilians. [Source]
National and International Attention
The Karku raid is one of many incidents highlighting Nigeria’s security challenges. Across Kaduna State and neighbouring regions, similar attacks have caused panic and claimed lives. In late January 2026, hundreds of worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna but were later reportedly freed. International observers have also criticized the pace and effectiveness of government responses. Human rights groups warn the security situation is increasingly unstable. [Source]
How Security Agencies Are Responding
Following the attack, security forces reportedly moved into Karku, engaging with the attackers in clashes that reportedly left some assailants dead. However, local leaders argue that more proactive and preventive measures are needed to protect communities. They call for better intelligence, stronger patrols, and community support programs. [Source]
Impact on Families and Survivors
The human toll of violence goes beyond the headlines. Families of the abducted live in constant fear, hoping for news of their loved ones. Children are distressed, some unable to sleep alone. Elders remind them to remain strong and keep hope alive. The psychological impact of such trauma will likely linger for months, if not years. [Source]
Voices from Church and Community Leaders
Clergy have condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it an affront to peace and human dignity. They emphasize that attacks on places of worship must never be tolerated and call for global support from religious bodies, governments, and humanitarian organizations. Local and international leaders are pushing for urgent measures to ensure no similar attacks occur in the future. [Source]
The Broader Context of Insecurity in Nigeria
Kaduna State and surrounding regions face persistent insecurity from criminal gangs and extremists. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with frequent raids on markets, schools, and churches. Government strategies, including joint military and police operations, have had limited success. Experts cite poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education as underlying factors fueling such attacks. [Source]
Why This Attack Matters for Nigeria’s Future
The Karku raid is more than a single event; it highlights deeper issues of governance, protection, and national unity. Continued violence may isolate communities, disrupt development, and deepen mistrust of authorities. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reform, including better intelligence, community policing, economic opportunities, and reconciliation initiatives. [Source]
How You Can Stay Informed and Support
Follow global news services like Reuters for updates on Nigeria’s security situation. For Catholic community perspectives, visit Crux Now. For local and faith-based reporting, explore DocuNews Central for in-depth coverage and analysis of the incident.
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Action
The raid on Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku, Kaduna, is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s fragile security situation. The abduction of a dedicated priest and parishioners, and the killing of innocent villagers, are deeply tragic. Yet, the resilience of communities, the power of prayer, and the urgent need for collective action remain evident. Nigerians and the global community must continue to hope for the safe return of the abducted, the comfort of families, the rebuilding of communities, and, most importantly, the achievement of lasting peace.
