The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, condemning what it described as persistent and targeted attacks on Christian communities, clergy, and civilians across the country.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, said the ongoing violence constitutes a grave violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to life, worship, and security.
According to the church, ECWA communities in several states have been severely affected by attacks, kidnappings, displacement, and killings, forcing many families to flee their homes and livelihoods.
“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”
The situation, the statement noted, has created a climate of fear in many rural and semi-urban areas.
Abduction of Worshippers in Kurmin Wali
ECWA particularly condemned the abduction of worshippers during a church service on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The church described the invasion of places of worship by armed attackers as “barbaric” and deeply troubling, noting that the incident was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The church stressed that the Kurmin Wali incident reflects a broader pattern of violence. It revealed that prior to the latest attack, about 100 ECWA members from Kwassam District Church Council, 30 from Saminaka District Church Council in Kaduna State, and another 30 from Kabba District Church Council in Kogi State were already being held by kidnappers, with families facing heavy ransom demands.
Several ECWA District Church Councils were identified as remaining under serious threat, including those in Katari and Gidan Waya in Kaduna State; Katsina South in Katsina State; Patigi, Omu-Aran, and Ora-Ago in Kogi State; Igbaja in Kwara State; Gwol and Mangu in Plateau State; and Shiroro in Niger State.
Call for Government Action
While acknowledging the federal government’s efforts and the eventual deployment of security personnel to Kajuru, ECWA expressed concern over what it described as delays in security response, warning that such lapses embolden criminal elements.
The church called on all levels of government federal, state, and local to take more decisive and proactive action. Specifically, it urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and early-warning systems, ensure rapid responses to threats in vulnerable communities, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and provide adequate protection for places of worship and other soft targets.
Appeal for Unity and Vigilance
ECWA also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to promote unity, vigilance, and peaceful coexistence. It encouraged communities to cooperate with security agencies and take lawful collective action against criminal activities.
Reaffirming its solidarity with all victims of insecurity, the church said it would continue its commitment to prayer, peacebuilding, advocacy, and practical support for affected communities. It urged Nigerians to remain united and steadfast in the pursuit of a just and secure nation.
The statement was signed by Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and dated 29 January 2026.
