Over 160 ECWA Members held hostage across Kaduna, Kogi, Church raises alarm over rising insecurity

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has disclosed that no fewer than 160 of its members are currently in captivity across Kaduna and Kogi states, with families grappling with crippling ransom demands.

The Church’s leadership raised the alarm following the recent abduction of worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, describing the growing insecurity as deeply distressing.

In a statement issued by ECWA President Rev. Job Bagat, the Church said: “About 100 members from the Kwassam District Church Council, 30 from the Saminaka District Church Council in Kaduna State, and another 30 from the Kabba District Church Council in Kogi State were already being held by kidnappers before the latest incident in Kajuru.”

Rev. Bagat condemned the Kajuru attack on Sunday, January 18, 2026, as “sacrilegious and barbaric”, noting that armed invaders targeted worshippers during services, a move confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Church highlighted that the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence affecting several ECWA District Church Councils across Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Niger states, leaving communities traumatized and livelihoods disrupted.

While acknowledging federal efforts and the eventual deployment of security personnel to Kajuru, ECWA expressed grave concern over delays in response, stressing that lapses in security embolden criminal networks and cost valuable time.

The Church called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, early-warning systems, rapid response mechanisms, and protection for soft targets, while urging traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to promote unity and vigilance.

ECWA reaffirmed its commitment to prayer, peacebuilding, advocacy, and practical support for communities affected by insecurity.