Over 160 Church Members Held by Kidnappers in Kaduna and Kogi as Insecurity Worsens

At least 160 members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) are currently held hostage by kidnappers across Kaduna and Kogi states, the Church has revealed. Families of the abducted worshippers face crippling ransom demands as security concerns mount in vulnerable rural communities.

ECWA President Rev. Job Bagat disclosed that about 100 members from Kwassam District, 30 from Saminaka District in Kaduna, and another 30 from Kabba District in Kogi State were already in captivity before the latest attack in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on January 18, 2026.

Describing the situation as deeply distressing, Rev. Bagat warned that these incidents reflect the escalating insecurity confronting communities nationwide. He condemned what he called targeted attacks on Christian communities, clergy, and ordinary citizens, stressing that such acts violate constitutional rights to life, worship, and security.

“The abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali during Sunday service was sacrilegious and barbaric. Armed invasions of churches during worship deepen fear and national anguish,” the Church said in a statement.

The ECWA President highlighted a broader pattern of violence affecting several ECWA District Church Councils, including Katari and Gidan Waya in Kaduna State; Katsina South in Katsina; Patigi, Omu-Aran, and Ora-Ago in Kwara; Kabba District in Kogi; Gwol and Mangu in Plateau; and Shiroro in Niger State.

While acknowledging that federal security forces have been deployed to Kajuru, ECWA expressed concern over delays in response, noting that lapses in security give criminal networks more time to operate. The Church urged that security measures must be proactive, intelligence-driven, sustained, and preventive, particularly in rural areas.

Rev. Bagat called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, enforce swift prosecution of perpetrators, and provide adequate protection for places of worship and other vulnerable targets. He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to promote unity, vigilance, and peaceful coexistence.

ECWA reaffirmed its commitment to prayer, peacebuilding, advocacy, and practical support for affected communities, urging Nigerians to stand in solidarity with victims of insecurity.