ATTACKED During Sunday Worship—166 Vanish

Armed Islamist bandits stormed two Nigerian churches, abducting 166 worshiping Christians in a brazen assault that exposes the relentless persecution facing believers worldwide.

Story Highlights

166 Christians kidnapped January 19, 2026, from ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, during Sunday services amid gunfire.
All victims freed by February 5 after weeks in captivity, thanks to Kaduna state government negotiations and security forces—no church ransom paid.
Attacks by Fulani militias and groups like Boko Haram target Christians, seizing farmland and fueling fears in Nigeria’s “deadliest place for believers.”
Victims now receive medical care; leaders demand stronger protection for worship sites amid surging banditry.

Kidnapping Details

On January 19, 2026, armed assailants raided Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria. Gunmen fired sporadically during worship services, abducting 166 Christians. The mass scale marked this as one of the largest church kidnappings amid ongoing banditry targeting religious sites. Victims endured weeks in captivity before release.

Successful Release Efforts

Kaduna State Government led negotiations, securing the full release of all 166 victims by Thursday, February 5, 2026, without confirmed ransom from churches. Security agencies, including military and police, coordinated with community leaders. Initial releases occurred Wednesday, with the remainder following. Victims received medical and psychosocial care at a military hospital before family reunions. Rev. John Hayab, Christian Association of Nigeria Northern Chapter chairman, confirmed the outcome and praised collaborative efforts.

Persistent Islamist Threats

Fulani herdsmen militias and Islamist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Al-Qaeda-linked Lakurawa drive attacks in northwest Nigeria. These bandits target Christians for ransom, land seizures, and religious intimidation, exploiting weak federal control in rural Kaduna. Recent incidents include the 61-day abduction of Rev. Bobbo Paschal nearby and village raids. Kaduna’s mixed demographics heighten tensions, with churches halting services due to fear. Such violence erodes community trust and disrupts farming livelihoods.

Impacts and Calls for Action

Short-term trauma affects families and halts worship in Kurmin Wali, demanding immediate security at religious sites. Long-term, attacks fuel displacement, economic strain from ransom demands, and religious persecution fears. Former U.S. Ambassador Sam Brownback labels Nigeria the “deadliest place on planet for Christians,” signaling broader Islamist expansion. Christian leaders decry land grabs and Islam imposition. Nigeria launched a new military command February 5 against militants after a separate deadly attack.