Assailants kidnapped Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Karku, Nigeria, along with 10 others, the Nigerian Diocese of Kafanchan announced Feb. 7 in a press release asking for prayers.
“This terrible event occurred at about 03:20 [AM] at his residence, and the situation was described by the villagers as an act of invasion by a group of terrorists,” read the release, which was written by the diocesan chancellor, Father Jacob Shanet.
"At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people (Mr Jacob Dan'azumi, Mr Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji), aside from those abducted," he continued.
Fr. Shanet asked for prayers for those kidnapped or killed.
“We kindly invite all priests, Christian faithful, and men and women of goodwill to pray for Fr. Nathaniel, the other ten people, and the repose of the souls of those who were killed during the attack,” he said in the release.
“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of all priests and help of Christians, for their speedy and safe release from the hands of these evildoers,” he added.
As Zeale News previously reported, Nigerian Christians have suffered many attacks, kidnappings, and killings in recent years. Jihadist organizations are particularly powerful in northeastern Nigeria, though their influence has been spreading across the country.
In January, a priest from the Archdiocese of Kaduna was released after two months in captivity, as Zeale News previously reported.
Pope Leo XIV prayed for Nigeria during his Feb. 8 Angelus address. An attack on two villages Feb. 3-4 killed at least 160 people, according to AP News.
“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life,” Pope Leo said. “I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism. I likewise hope that the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”