Catholic priest abducted, 11 murdered in Kaduna

Gunmen have abducted a Catholic Priest in Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state.

A resident, Samuel Kukah, who confirmed the attack, said the gunmen stormed the residence of the priest, Rev. Fr Luka Benson, around 7:30 pm on Monday.

Attempts to reach the Kaduna Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, did not yield result as he neither answered calls nor responded to text messages sent.

Meanwhile, gunmen invaded Apiye Jim village in Atyap chiefdom, still in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna, killing 11 persons.

The attack, according to a source, happened on Sunday evening.

Although there is no official confirmation from either the state government or the state Police command, spokesperson of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Luka Binniyat, confirmed the attack to our correspondent.

Binniyat said, “It is very true. They also killed another man in Atakshusho village about three kilometers from the initial scene of crime as they were retreating to make an escape.

“Recall that an ECWA Reverend was murdered just on the outskirts of Zangon Kataf town, which our people have always complained of harbouring killers, time and again.

“As usual, no one has been apprehended. We are awaiting details of the killings, after which we shall issue a statement.”

A source many of the villagers were still missing after Monday attack, but noted that, so far, no fewer than 11 lifeless bodies had been recovered.

According to him, the attackers came in large numbers and perpetrated the act in a jiffy.

He added, “They (attackers) came while it was raining and divided themselves into groups. They targeted specific houses and when done, left immediately.

“Scores of the villagers are missing at the moment. It’s impossible for one to ascertain the number of those injured and even those killed; but so far, l have counted and found 11 dead persons in different locations.”