The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed deep concern over the mass abduction of Christians in Nigeria, following an attack in which more than 160 worshippers were kidnapped during Sunday church services in Kaduna State.

According to Joseph Hayab, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, armed assailants stormed several churches in the village of Kurmin-Wali on January 18, seizing congregants in the middle of worship. A total of 171 people were affected in the attack, with eight managing to escape. The whereabouts of the remaining 163 abducted individuals remain unknown, RIA Novosti reported.

Nigerian media earlier reported that at least three churches were attacked simultaneously in the area, with more than 100 believers taken captive. The incident is described as one of the largest church-related abductions in the country in recent times.

Kaduna State lies within Nigeria’s so-called “Middle Belt,” a region long plagued by instability and persistent armed violence. Unlike southern parts of the country, where Christian communities—including parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church—operate in relatively safer conditions, Kaduna is marked by deep religious and ethnic tensions, leaving Christian communities particularly vulnerable.

In response to the attack, the World Council of Churches issued a strong statement condemning the abduction of nearly 170 worshippers, calling it a grave violation of human dignity, freedom of religion and the right to life. The organization expressed solidarity with the victims and urged Nigerian authorities to take urgent action to secure the release of the hostages and ensure the protection of at-risk communities.

Security conditions in central and northwestern Nigeria have remained volatile in recent months. In late November, armed groups abducted 54 villagers, as well as a pastor and 11 church members during a worship service. In December, another 15 believers were kidnapped in Kogi State.

The surge in violence has drawn international attention. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could carry out further strikes against terrorist groups in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue. He recalled that on December 26, 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes on positions of ISIS in northwestern Nigeria, describing the operation as a “warning” to extremist groups.

The World Council of Churches has called on the international community to show solidarity with the people of Nigeria and to continue efforts to protect civilians, regardless of their religious affiliation.