- Says: “The genocide of Christians must end, and it falls squarely on the Nigerian government’s shoulders to defend its citizens – all of its citizens – and end this violent persecution”
U.S. Congressman, Riley M. Moore has called for prayers for Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye of Holy Trinity Parish, Kafanchan Catholic Diocese Kaduna State who was kidnapped by bandits alongside others on Saturday February 7, 2026.
Three parishioners of the church were also killed during the attack.
Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd District in U.S. Congress said that “the genocide of Christians must end, and it falls squarely on the Nigerian government’s shoulders to defend its citizens – all of its citizens – and end this violent persecution.”
The full post on X by Congressman Moore reads: Please join me in praying for the safe return of Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye of Holy Trinity Parish in Kaduna who was kidnapped alongside 10 others. Three of his parishioners were brutally murdered by radical Islamic jihadists during the attack.
“The last week has been some of the most horrifically bloody days in recent history for Christians across Nigeria. The genocide of Christians must end, and it falls squarely on the Nigerian government’s shoulders to defend its citizens – all of its citizens – and end this violent persecution. Please keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye was kidnapped on Saturday, February 7 when gunmen attacked Holy Trinity Parish of Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, where he serves as Parish Priest.
In a statement issued February 7, the Chancellor of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Fr. Jacob Shanet, announces with “profound sadness” the abduction of Fr. Asuwaye, “alongside ten (10) other people at Karku, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria.”
“This terrible event occurred at about 03:20 (WAT) at his residence, and the situation was described by the villagers as an act of invasion by a group of terrorists,” Fr. Jacob says.
He adds, “The incident resulted in the killing of three people (Mr Jacob Dan’azumi, Mr Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari), aside from those abducted.”
The Chancellor invites “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.”
“The entire Diocese of Kafanchan entrusts them to the intercession 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,” Fr. Jacob implores.
