Mass kidnapping at Kaduna churches adds to pressure on Nigeria

Gunmen abducted dozens of worshippers from two churches in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, raising concerns over rising attacks on religious communities. The incident intensifies scrutiny of the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat criminal and Islamist groups.

Reuters

21 January 2026 at 09:05:16

A drone view of Kurmin Wali, where churches were attacked by gunmen and worshippers were kidnapped, in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna, Nigeria, January 20, 2026.

Nuhu Gwamna/Reuters

Armed gunmen kidnapped dozens of worshippers from two churches in northern Nigeria on Sunday (January 18), the latest mass abduction in a country under scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump over what he calls the persecution of Christians.

The attackers stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All and the Albarika Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church in Kurmin Wali village, Kaduna State, on Sunday, seizing congregation members during services.

Inside one of the churches targeted in Kurmin Wali, a Reuters reporter saw signs of disturbance, with plastic chairs on the floor. A Bible lay on one chair, while musical instruments appeared to have been used in a lively church service.

The kidnapping adds pressure on Nigeria's government, which has denied systematic persecution of Christians and said it is working to tackle Islamist and criminal groups that target both Muslim and Christian communities for ransom.

Production: Abraham Achirga/Reuters