Mass Kidnapping in Kaduna, Nigeria with Over 30 Abducted Including a Catholic Catechist and his Pregnant Wife


Mass Kidnapping in Kaduna: 32 Abducted as Residents Flee in Terror

Armed bandits stormed the villages of Kutaho and Kugir in Kaduna State at 2:00 a.m. on February 10, kidnapping 32 people. Among the victims are a local catechist, his pregnant wife, and their child from St. Joseph’s Parish.

According to Parish Priest Father Linus Matthew Bobai, the attackers had previously attempted to extort 10 million naira ($7,392 USD) from a parishioner. While some captives managed to escape and others were released due to health issues, the village chief remains in critical condition after a machete attack. Despite a brief military presence, residents report feeling abandoned by authorities; 98% of the population has fled. This marks the third mass kidnapping of Catholic faithful in the region within a 
single week.
On February 7, 2026, around 3:20 a.m., suspected bandits or terrorists invaded the residence of Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Karku of Kauru LGA Kaduna State.
The attackers forcibly took the priest and ten others, leaving a trail of violence that claimed the lives of three community members: Mr. Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr. Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.
‎ The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan has swiftly confirmed the abduction in an official statement, expressing profound sadness over the loss of lives and the kidnapping of their priest.

About 177 people were kidnapped in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State on the 18th of January 2026 from three churches.

Now, the village of Kadarko is a ghost town; nearly the entire population has fled to neighboring areas after soldiers reportedly stayed only minutes before departing. "We cannot flee because we are pastors," Father Bobai stated, choosing to remain behind to offer spiritual support despite the rising wave of violence targeting Catholic missions in Kaduna and beyond.

Escalating Kidnappings in Kaduna State

  • Incident Date: February 10, 2026, 2:00 a.m.

  • Location: Kadarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State (Kutaho and Kugir villages).

  • Total Abducted: 32 (Initially more, but some elderly/ill were released; some escaped).

  • Key Victims: A parish catechist, his pregnant wife and child, and several children from the Kugir mission station.

  • Casualties: The village chief (severely injured via machete).

  • Context of Recent Violence:

    • Feb 6: 9 kidnapped in Ojije-Utonkon.

    • Feb 7: 3 killed, 11 kidnapped (including Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye) at Holy Trinity Parish, Karku.

  • Ongoing Captivity: At least three priests remain in captivity: Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye (2026), Fr. Emmanuel Ezema (2025), and Fr. Joseph Igweagu (2022).

  • Source: Fides News 

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