The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised fresh alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security situation following the abduction of worshippers during a church service in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as part of a growing pattern of targeted attacks on vulnerable communities across Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, ECWA expressed “profound alarm and deep concern” over what it described as pervasive insecurity nationwide, with particular emphasis on repeated attacks on Christian communities, clergy, and civilians.
The church confirmed that armed men invaded churches in Kurmin Wali on Sunday, January 18, 2026, abducting worshippers during Sunday service — an act verified by the Nigeria Police Force. ECWA condemned the attack as “sacrilegious and barbaric,” noting that it has deepened fear and anguish among affected communities.
The Kajuru incident comes amid escalating violence across Northern Nigeria, where insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and communal violence in parts of the North-Central have continued to claim lives, displace communities, and disrupt livelihoods.
Security analysts note that armed groups have increasingly targeted soft targets, including schools, highways, rural settlements, and places of worship. Kidnappings for ransom have become widespread, forcing families and institutions into financial distress while eroding public confidence in safety.
ECWA disclosed that long before the Kajuru attack, about 100 of its members from the Kwassam District Church Council, 30 from Saminaka DCC in Kaduna State, and another 30 from Kabba DCC in Kogi State were already in captivity, with abductors demanding what the church described as “exorbitant ransoms.”
According to the statement, several ECWA District Church Councils remain under severe threat, spanning Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Niger States, highlighting the wide geographical spread of the insecurity.
Church, Communities Bear the Brunt
Rev. Dr. Bagat said ECWA pastors, church workers, and members have suffered kidnappings, killings, and forced displacement across multiple states, creating a climate of fear that has compelled many families to abandon their homes and means of livelihood.
“These attacks represent an assault on the fundamental rights to life, worship, and security as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution,” the ECWA President stated.
Northern Nigeria has in recent years also witnessed the closure of schools, decline in agricultural activities, and worsening humanitarian conditions, as insecurity prevents farming, trade, and access to essential services.
While acknowledging the eventual deployment of security personnel to Kajuru after the attack, ECWA expressed concern over what it described as delays in security response, warning that such lapses embolden criminal groups.
The church called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to intensify intelligence gathering, establish early-warning systems, ensure rapid response to threats in rural areas, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and provide adequate protection for places of worship and other vulnerable targets.
Quoting Romans 13:4, ECWA reminded government authorities of their constitutional and moral responsibility to protect citizens.
Beyond government action, ECWA urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to promote unity, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies, stressing the need for lawful community-based efforts to resist criminal elements.
The church said it stands in solidarity not only with its members but with all Nigerians affected by insecurity, offering prayers and pastoral support to victims and their families.
Despite the grim situation, ECWA encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, reaffirming its commitment to prayer, peace-building, advocacy, and practical support for affected communities.
