Insecurity: Catechist Abducted By Gunmen In Kaduna

The Catechist of St. Monica Catholic Church, Ikulu-Pari in Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government, Kaduna State, Kefas Ishaya has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ishaya was abducted on Thursday by the gunmen when they failed to pick up his boss, Reverend Father Joseph Shekari, who was not in his home when the attack took place.

Per the report, Shekari was kidnapped in February 2022 and had travelled out of the village when the gunmen struck.

The annual Thanksgiving Service of the parish took place on Sunday and according to members, the abductors may have targeted the proceeds having succeeded in carting away what was generated in February 2022.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Ikulu Zone of the parish, Sunday Bage, revealed that the gunmen came at around 9.30 p.m.

“Thank God Father (Reverend) travelled. They didn’t get him, but they picked our Catechist.

"They dragged the Catechist to the bush. They took him with his phone. We have been calling the line but it keeps ringing out", he disclosed to NAN.

According to him, the gunmen came in large numbers and shot sporadically while moving through the church, the school, and the priest’s residence in search of Shekari.

The assailants also broke into the priest's residence after scaling the fence and broke the main door to the house with the aid of stones and bullets.

“Immediately they broke into the house, they searched and ransacked everywhere. They checked under the beds, wardrobes, bathrooms and kitchen.

“They even checked the ceiling, but Father had travelled. So, they did not get him. In anger, they took our Catechist. As we speak, he is with them in the bush.

“It is a very sad situation. This is devastating. They dragged Catechist on the ground like a dog,” a woman told NAN.