The Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Middle Belt Nigeria, has urged the faithful to intensify prayers during the period of May Devotion for the immediate release of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye and 10 other parishioners who have been in captivity since 7 February 2026.
In a memo addressed to the priests, religious and laity of the Diocese and signed by the Chancellor, Very Fr. Jacob Shanet, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi requested “special prayers for his release and for the conversion of his abductors during this year’s May devotion.”
Most Rev. Dr. Julius Yakubu Kundi, Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Middle Belt, Nigeria. Credit: ACN Malta.
Recall that Fr. Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Church, Karku, in Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna, was abducted by armed men from his parish rectory alongside 10 parishioners around 03:20 AM.
According to reports, three people were killed in that attack. The priest “remains in captivity at the time of this memo,” the diocese noted.
The statement underscored the pastoral role of the abducted priest, emphasising his devotion to Our Lady.
“Since Fr. Nathaniel serves as Chaplain of the Marian Society and coordinates the May and October devotions,” it stated.
The prelate called on the faithful to pray for the unconditional release of victims of abductions in Nigeria, for the consolation of their families and all those affected by abduction, and “For lasting peace and safety in our Diocese and Nigeria.”
He also asked the faithful to pray for the conversion and repentance of the abductors, stating that “God’s mercy should touch them.”
Reports from religious and human rights organisations indicate that no fewer than ten priests and dozens of other individuals have been abducted specifically from Kafanchan Diocese in recent years, though total numbers for kidnapped victims are often under-reported.
The violence in Kafanchan Diocese, located in Kaduna State, primarily involves targeted abductions of clergy and mass kidnappings of parishioners.
Clergy Abductions covering between 2015 to 2026 identifies Kafanchan as one of the hardest-hit areas, with no fewer than ten recorded priest kidnappings and two murders during that decade.
In the Southern Kaduna axis, where the Kafanchan Diocese is situated, reports indicate that no fewer than 24 priests were abducted and seven killed between 2015 and 2025, making it one of the deadliest regions for Catholic clergy in Nigeria.
Encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast, resilient and hopeful even in the midst of trials, Bishop Kundi noted that “during this season of resurrection and hope, let us remember that Christ, our light, never abandons us, even amidst trials.”
