The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has revealed that fewer than 160 of its members are currently being held by kidnappers across Kaduna and Kogi States, with their families facing crippling ransom demands. The disclosure comes as the Church raises fresh alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, following the recent abduction of worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement signed by ECWA President, Rev. Job Bagat, the Church disclosed that about 100 members from the Kwassam District Church Council, 30 from the Saminaka District in Kaduna, and another 30 from the Kabba District in Kogi were already in captivity before the latest Kajuru incident. ECWA described the situation as deeply distressing and a reflection of the growing insecurity affecting communities.
The Church expressed strong concern over what it described as persistent attacks targeting Christian communities, clergy, and ordinary citizens. It noted that such acts violate constitutional rights to life, worship, and security. According to the statement, several pastors, church workers, and members have suffered killings, abductions, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
ECWA also condemned the January 18, 2026 abduction of worshippers during service in Kurmin Wali, calling the act “sacrilegious and barbaric.” The invasion of churches during worship, it said, has deepened fear and national anxiety.
While acknowledging recent government efforts and the deployment of security personnel to Kajuru, the Church expressed concern over delayed responses and called for more proactive, intelligence-driven, and preventive security measures, especially in vulnerable rural communities.
