Massive Abduction in Kaduna: 167 Christians Taken During Sunday Services
KADUNA, NIGERIA — Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has issued an urgent condemnation following the mass abduction of 167 worshippers in Kaduna State. On the morning of January 18, 2026, armed militia members launched a coordinated raid on three different churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA).
Details of the Attack
Witnesses report that at approximately 9:00 AM, a large group of Fulani militia arrived on foot and motorcycles. The attackers split into three teams to simultaneously target:
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)
Albarka Cherubim and Seraphim 1
Haske Cherubim and Seraphim 2
According to local sources, the gunmen forced the congregations into the nearby bush. While elderly women and young children were eventually released—and 11 others managed to escape—167 people remain in captivity.
Allegations of Government Cover-Up
The incident has been met with controversy regarding the official response. The Kaduna State Government has denied the abductions took place. Furthermore, reports suggest that authorities warned local villagers against speaking to the media, allegedly to avoid "tarnishing the image of the government."
When a verification team from CSW Nigeria (CSWN) attempted to visit the community, they were blocked by military personnel who cited a "standing order" to deny entry.
A Pattern of Violence
The Kajuru LGA has faced sustained instability since 2018. Recent weeks have seen a surge in ransom-driven kidnappings:
January 11, 2026: 21 people were abducted from Kurmin Wali, released only after a 7 million Naira ransom.
January 2, 2026: Rev. Philip Adamu and three others were kidnapped; captors demanded 30 million Naira for their release.
December 2025: 30 worshippers were taken in Kogi State; most were recently released in poor health after a 15 million Naira payment, though three died in captivity.
"The government must be transparent about the scale of this security crisis and the asymmetry with which Christian communities are being targeted." — Mervyn Thomas, CSW Founder President
Call for Action
CSW is calling on both state and federal authorities to move beyond denials and take proactive measures. Rev. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, CEO of CSWN, emphasized the need to "strengthen the local capacity of these villagers to serve as the first line of defense."
The Nigerian government officially designated Fulani militia as terrorists in December 2025. However, advocacy groups argue that without enhanced security for remote regions, these "emboldened" groups will continue to impoverish rural communities through relentless ransom demands and displacement.
Source: https://www.csw.org.uk/2026/01/20/press/6723/article.htm
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