Following the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye alongside 10 others on 7 February 2026, at around 3:20 in an attack that led to the death of 3 others, the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has confirmed that 3 victims have escaped, as 8 others, including the priest, are still with their abductors.
“Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeri was kidnapped alongside ten (10) other people at Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria,” the diocese had said.
However, a confirmation memo Titled, “re-abduction of Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye and call for prayers,” obtained by Advocatus Africa dated Monday, 09 February 2026, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Shanet stated, “I wish to inform the public that, following a thorough assessment and headcount of the various members of families in the Karku community, new data emerged yesterday (08/02/2026).”
The abducted priest, Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye
Dr. Shanet continued, “It was confirmed that the risk bunker of victims abducted was Fr Nathaniel Asuwaye, alongside eight (8) other persons.
“The number has reduced to eight (8) in total because some persons, whom the community thought were victims of the abduction, returned home safely, reporting that they narrowly escaped the horror. The latest information as of yesterday, 8:18 pm (WAT), gives the names, ages, and Christian demonstrations of the victims.”
The diocese gave their names as an ECWA member, Sadau Usaini, aged between 44 and 48, and the 40-year-old Catholic priest, along with seven other Catholic faithful – Unkoko Sadauki, 18, Marcy Mazuga, 18, Amos Elisha between 35 and 38, Lovina Lot, 15, and Inchiye Ba’ba, 15.
Others are 30-year-old Nicholas Yakubu and Monday Musa, 19, making a list of 8 victims aged between 15 and 48.
The statement also noted that, “the recent data that emerged conformed that eight (8) persons besides the kidnapped victims were killed, among whom were two (2) Nigerian army officers, who paid the ultimate price defending the defenceless and vulnerable civilians.”
The diocese listed their names as Jacob Dan’azumi (Mai’wazi), Maitala Kaura, Alhaji Kusari Luka, Boy Binawa.
Also in the list are Sake Gaidan, Haruna Alhaji Alli, two Nigerian army officers whose names were not given.
The Church official prayed for collaboration with governing officials for the safe return of the abductees while inviting “all to remain law-abiding.”
The Chancellor assured that “The diocese is working in collaboration with government officials to ensure the safe return of the abducted.
Locals describe the Karku kidnapping and massacre as a terrible “act of invasion by a group of terrorists,” the Diocese had said.
So bad, we have found ourselves in this sad situation. May their soul rest in peace.