More than 160 members of the Evangelical Church Winning All are currently being held by kidnappers in Kaduna and Kogi states, the church leadership has revealed.
ECWA President, Rev Job Bagat, said in a statement that about 100 members from the Kwassam District Church Council and 30 from the Saminaka District Church Council in Kaduna State, as well as 30 from the Kabba District Church Council in Kogi State, were already in captivity before the latest abduction in Kajuru. He described the situation as deeply distressing and a reflection of the worsening insecurity facing communities across the country.
The church expressed concern over what it called persistent and targeted attacks on Christian communities, clergy and ordinary citizens. It said these attacks amount to a direct assault on constitutional rights to life, worship and security. According to the statement, ECWA pastors, workers and members in several states have suffered killings, kidnappings, displacement and loss of livelihoods, leaving many communities traumatised and feeling abandoned.
ECWA specifically condemned the abduction of worshippers on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The church called the armed invasion of worshippers during service “sacrilegious and barbaric” and noted that the attack, confirmed by the police, has deepened fear and anguish nationwide.
Rev Bagat said the Kajuru incident is part of a broader pattern of violence threatening several ECWA district councils. He listed areas at risk as Katari and Gidan Waya in Kaduna, Katsina South in Katsina, Patigi, Omu Aran and Ora Ago in Kwara, Kabba in Kogi, Gwol and Mangu in Plateau, and Shiroro in Niger State.
While acknowledging renewed efforts by the Federal Government and the eventual deployment of security personnel to Kajuru, ECWA raised concerns over delayed responses. The church warned that slow action costs valuable time and emboldens criminal networks. It stressed that security measures must be proactive, intelligence driven, sustained and preventive, especially in vulnerable rural communities.
The church urged the Federal, State and Local Governments to strengthen intelligence gathering and early warning systems, ensure swift and effective response to threats, and transparently prosecute offenders and their sponsors. It also called for stronger protection of places of worship and other soft targets.
ECWA further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens to promote unity, vigilance and peaceful coexistence. It reaffirmed its solidarity with all victims of insecurity and its commitment to prayer, peacebuilding, advocacy and practical support for affected communities.
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