Over 170 Christian Worshippers Kidnapped From Churches In Nigeria After Police Reversal

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ABUJA (Worthy News) – Nigerian police have confirmed that a large group of Christian worshippers were kidnapped by suspected Muslim gunmen from three churches in a remote area of Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State, reversing an earlier denial that authorities said had been “widely misinterpreted.”

More than two days after the raid on Kurmin Wali village, police acknowledged that worshippers were abducted during coordinated attacks on services held at a Baptist church, an evangelical church, and a local independent church, according to church leaders and residents in the area.

Local sources said 177 Christians were abducted, with 11 later escaping. While early police figures were lower, authorities now concede that more than 150 people were taken.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said checks by operational units and intelligence sources confirmed that the abductions did occur.

CHURCH LEADERS DESCRIBE COORDINATED ATTACK

“The attackers came in large numbers, blocked the entrances of the churches, and forced the worshippers out into the bush,” added Reverend Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for northern Nigeria.

Citing elders from the impacted congregations, Hayab and police said that “172 worshippers were abducted while nine managed to escape.”

Initial figures often vary after mass kidnappings in Nigeria, with security agencies releasing conservative estimates while church and community leaders frequently provide higher tallies.

A similar pattern was seen during a previous mass abduction at a Catholic school in Kaduna State.

SECURITY RESPONSE UNDER WAY

Police said troops and other security agencies have been deployed to the area, with efforts underway to locate the abductors and rescue those still being held.

Northwestern Nigeria has reportedly experienced a sharp rise in mass kidnappings by heavily armed gangs operating from forest enclaves, frequently targeting villages, schools, and places of worship

While authorities often describe the attackers as “bandits,” Christian researchers and advocacy groups say Christians are disproportionately targeted, particularly in northern and central regions.

Nigeria is ranked 6th worldwide on the World Watch List of 50 nations where Christian advocacy group Open Doors says Christians face the most persecution.

WIDESPREAD DEADLY VIOLENCE

The ranking of Nigeria reflects widespread violence against Christians, including church attacks, abductions, killings, and forced displacement, especially in northern states where Islamic extremism, criminal gangs, weak law enforcement, and religious tensions intersect, Open Doors said.

Advocates say kidnappings are often motivated by a mix of ransom demands and Islamic hostility toward the Christian faith, with churches and Christian gatherings seen as soft targets.

Nigeria also remains the global epicenter of deadly violence against Christians. Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith, 3,490 were from Nigeria, an increase of 3,100 from the prior year, according to Christian investigators.

Church leaders have urged the government to take stronger action to protect vulnerable rural communities, including Christians, and prevent further attacks.

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