WCC NEWS: WCC strongly condemns abduction of Christians during church services in Nigeria

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay strongly condemned the brutal abduction of about 177 Christian worshippers during church services in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 21 January 2026 “This attack on innocent people gathered for worship is a grave violation of human dignity, freedom of religion, and the sanctity of life,” said Pillay. “We express our deep solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Christian communities affected by this painful incident.” The WCC joined the global church in praying for the safe and swift release of all those held in captivity, and for comfort, strength, and healing for their loved ones. “We acknowledge the efforts of the Nigerian authorities and security agencies and encourage them to continue their work with urgency, transparency, compassion, and determination to rescue those in captivity and restore peace to the community,” said Pillay. “We urge the Government of Nigeria to intensify all necessary actions to ensure the immediate and safe return of those abducted, to protect vulnerable communities, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.” The WCC also called on the international community and all people of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria at this critical time, and to continue advocating for peace, justice, and the protection of all civilians, regardless of faith or background. "The World Council of Churches remains committed to supporting peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria and prays for an end to violence, insecurity, and suffering in the region,” concluded Pillay.  Statement by the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) On the Kidnapping of Worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna State, Nigeria See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland