The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) worldwide has expressed deep concern over the worsening and pervasive insecurity in Nigeria, targeting Christian communities as ECWA District Church Councils in 6 states of Katsina, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and Plateau states, respectively, remain under severe threat.
President of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, described the recent abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State as not an isolated incident, adding that before the attack, approximately one hundred ECWA members from the Kwassam District Church Council, thirty from the Saminaka District Church Council in Kaduna, and thirty from Kabba DCC in Kogi State were already held captive by kidnappers, with families facing exorbitant ransom demands.
In a statement dated 29 January 2026, the President disclosed that numerous ECWA District Church Councils, including those in Katari and Gidan Waya (Kaduna State), Katsina South (Katsina State), Patigi, Omu-Aran, and Ora-Ago (Kogi), Igbaja (Kwara), Gwol and Mangu (Plateau); and Shiroro (Niger) States, remain under severe threat, hence the need for the federal government of Nigeria to address the looming danger.
Bagat said ECWA has suffered grievously from the rampaging attackers that left their pastors, Church workers, and members across multiple states over the years to endure the violent attacks, kidnappings, displacement, and loss of life.
He lamented that a climate of fear has been instilled in many of their communities, forcing families to abandon their homes and means of livelihoods for safety.
Parts of the statement read, “We particularly condemn the persistent and targeted attacks against Christian communities, clergy, and the general populace, which represent an assault on the fundamental rights to life, worship, and security as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.
“ECWA itself has suffered grievously from this national crisis. Our pastors, Church workers, and members across multiple states have endured violent attacks, kidnappings, displacement, and loss of life. A climate of fear has been instilled in many of our communities, forcing families to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
“ECWA is especially horrified by the confirmed abduction of worshippers on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The armed invasion of churches during worship services, as verified by the Nigeria Police Force, is a sacrilegious and barbaric act that has deepened national anguish.
“This incident is not isolated. Prior to this attack, approximately one hundred ECWA members from the Kwassam District Church Council, thirty from the Saminaka District Church Council in Kaduna, and thirty from Kabba DCC in Kogi State were already held captive by kidnappers, with families facing exorbitant ransom demands.”
The 62-year-old prelate also disclosed that “Numerous ECWA District Church Councils remain under severe threat, including those in Katari and Gidan Waya (Kaduna State); Katsina South (Katsina State), Patigi, Omu-Aran, and Ora-Ago (Kogi); Igbaja (Kwara); Gwol and Mangu (Plateau); and Shiroro (Niger) States.”
Bagat, who holds a Doctor of Ministry from the ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to decisively act on the current situation to avoid further escalation.
Although ECWA acknowledged the government’s renewed efforts through the eventual deployment of security agents to Kajuru, the Church lamented, stating, “We are gravely concerned by operational delays that cost precious time, and embolden criminals. Security responses must be proactive, sustained and intelligence-driven, and preventive.
The Bondon, Kaduna-state born, reminded “all tiers of Government of their divine and constitutional mandate to protect the citizens” while citing the scripture that all governing authorities belong to God’s servants to be sued for good (Romans 13:4).
Drawing the attention of the Federal, State, and Local Governments to the ECWA authorities called for strengthening “intelligence gathering and early-warning systems. Ensure swift, effective responses to threats, particularly in vulnerable rural communities. Prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors swiftly and transparently. Provide adequate protection for places of worship and other soft targets.”
The Church called for community solidarity and vigilance at all times, shared intelligence, resist criminal elements in their society through collective action.
The President underlined that “ECWA calls on Traditional Rulers, community leaders, and all Nigerians to foster unity, shared vigilance, and peaceful coexistence. Communities must cooperate with security agencies and lawfully resist criminal elements through collective action.
“I stand in solidarity with all victims of insecurity, our members, other Christian denominations, and every affected Nigerian. We extend our deepest prayers and pastoral support to the families of the adopted and all those living in fear.
“We encourage Nigerians not to succumb to despair but to hold fast to their faith, remembering God’s promise in Psalm 34:19, that ‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to prayer, peacebuilding, advocacy, and practical support for the affected communities, urging “every Nigerian to remain united, vigilant, and steadfast in the pursuit of a just and secure nation.
Dr. Bagat prayed that God comforts the afflicted, strengthens the weary, and grants Nigeria enduring peace to all in the face of the current security challenges.
