By Michael Lim

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Nigeria, has disclosed that 17 worshippers abducted during an attack on churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, died in captivity, while eight others were released after spending five months with their abductors.

The Chief Executive Officer of CSW Nigeria, Rev. Dr Yunusa Nmadu, revealed this during a presentation at ECWA Goodnews Church, Kaduna, to mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

Nmadu said the victims were among 37 worshippers abducted when gunmen attacked three churches in the community during Sunday services on April 5, 2026.

Reportedly, 12 of the abducted worshippers escaped at different times, while 17 died in captivity and eight were eventually released.

Speaking on the theme, “Light in the Darkest Places,” the CSW chief executive also disclosed that 11 people were abducted in Awon village, also in Kachia LGA, on April 20, 2026.

According to him, one of the victims escaped, six were confirmed dead, while four others remained in captivity six months after their abduction and were reportedly in critical condition.

He also recalled the abduction of 177 worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA, during Sunday services on January 18, 2026.

Nmadu said the government initially denied the incident but later acknowledged it following interventions by organisations, including CSW.

He said the victims were eventually released after spending 18 days in captivity.

The CSW chief executive described the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks, killings and mass abductions across Kachia, Kajuru, Kauru, Kagarko and other parts of Kaduna State, which he said had forced thousands of residents to flee their ancestral communities.

He expressed concern that persistent insecurity had restricted freedom of worship in several affected communities, leaving some Christians unable to attend church services due to fear of attacks or abduction.

Nmadu alleged that Christians constituted about 99 per cent of victims in several affected communities, adding that religious activities had become increasingly difficult in settlements facing persistent security threats.

He also raised concerns over the alleged treatment of abducted victims, particularly women and children, who he said were subjected to sexual violence, starvation and other inhumane conditions.

According to him, male and female captives were separated into different camps, where their movements were restricted and access to basic necessities, including drinking water, controlled by their abductors.

He alleged that some women, including nursing mothers and elderly women, were repeatedly sexually assaulted, while some who regained their freedom reportedly returned home pregnant.

He added that captives sometimes spent several days without food and had limited access to soap and other basic hygiene materials.

Nmadu also drew attention to the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu, who was abducted in February 2018, describing her case as a reminder of the prolonged ordeal of people held because of their Christian faith.

He further alleged that in some parts of the North-East, Christian passengers were singled out and abducted during attacks on commercial vehicles, while passengers of other religious backgrounds were allowed to go.

Calling for greater solidarity with victims of religious persecution, Nmadu urged Christians to remember those in captivity and support efforts to secure their freedom.

He said CSW had worked in Nigeria for more than 17 years to promote freedom of religion or belief through documentation of human rights violations, support for victims and survivors, training of human rights defenders and engagement with government institutions. In his words:

“Behind every report and every statistic is a person: a widow, a child, a pastor, a family who has lost a home or a loved one. They are not numbers to us. They are our brothers and sisters, and when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer with it.”

He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and show solidarity with persecuted believers, drawing inspiration from John 1:5, which says that the light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

By Seyi Balogun, Lagos

The need for the Church’s commitment to empowering its members through employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and business development initiatives has been highlighted.

Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, stated this in a statement issued on Monday by the church’s media office, noting that its entrepreneurship empowerment programme was designed to provide practical support to members with viable businesses and business ideas.

He said the initiative was aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their businesses, achieve financial independence and build sustainable livelihoods.

According to him, the programme goes beyond providing financial assistance, as it is designed to create a sustainable system where beneficiaries can grow their businesses and create opportunities for others. In his words:

“The church recognises entrepreneurship as an important avenue for empowering individuals, creating employment opportunities and improving the economic well-being of families.”

He commended the Church’s Entrepreneurship Support and Development Committee for identifying and supporting deserving beneficiaries.

Achudume also assured members that the church would continue to explore practical ways to help them transform their skills and business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the ESDC and Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Wole Elusakin, said the initiative had recorded encouraging results among previous beneficiaries.

Speaking during the presentation of new beneficiaries, Elusakin said some previous beneficiaries had successfully invested the support received into their businesses, while others had repaid their financial commitments and no longer required additional assistance.

“I am happy to tell you that some of the people who previously benefited from this programme have invested in their businesses and made significant progress. Some have fully paid back, while others have grown their businesses to the extent that they no longer need to take additional loans.”

He said the progress made by previous beneficiaries had created opportunities for new entrepreneurs to benefit from the programme.

Elusakin also commended Achudume for his support for the initiative, saying it had helped members grow their businesses.

“I want to especially thank Apostle Lawrence Achudume, for his support for this project and for ensuring that some people are empowered to grow their businesses in one way or another,” he said.

According to him, millions of naira had already been approved for some of the newly presented beneficiaries, while additional funding would be considered after the review of relevant proposals.

Elusakin added that the initiative was not limited to financial support, as beneficiaries would also receive appropriate advisory assistance based on the proposals submitted.

“And beyond the grant, submitted proposals will be reviewed with advisory support,” he said.

He explained that the approach was intended to ensure that beneficiaries received both financial assistance and the guidance required to use the funds effectively and build sustainable businesses.

The ESDC chairman consequently encouraged members with viable business proposals to apply, assuring them that applications would be assessed based on their business prospects and potential impact.

By Felix Umande

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume, CON, on Wednesday urged religious leaders to treat peacebuilding as a core component of national security and to help steer Nigerians toward unity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Akume spoke at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, during the opening of the 12th Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, where he represented President Bola Tinubu.

Acknowledging the hardship arising from ongoing economic reforms, the SGF said the administration understands the burden on citizens.

“Government recognises the fact that these reforms come with some inevitable pains and that Nigerians have significantly endured. We commend our citizens for their patriotism and resilience and assure them that it would never be in vain as promised by the President,” he said.

Citing World Bank reports on improved macroeconomic stability, Akume said government attention is now shifting to household recovery.
“This government is focusing on recovery of household incomes from poverty and will never relent until reform succeeds and translates to affordable food, jobs, better infrastructure, health services and dignity for the ordinary citizen. That is where the Renewed Hope Agenda truly lies,” he stated.

He explained that the agenda is “rooted in our determination to minimise hardship, create opportunities, simplify the fiscal regime and provide reliefs for vulnerable individuals and businesses,” with expanded programmes in education, health, social protection and community resilience.

On security, Akume disclosed “encouraging intelligence-led breakthroughs, including the rescue in August of 308 abducted citizens from Kwara and Niger States.”

However, he warned that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflict “continue to wound families and communities.”

“National security cannot be the responsibility of soldiers, police officers and intelligence agencies alone. Security also begins with trust, social cohesion, early warning and responsible speech,” he said.

The SGF charged the Church to take a leading role, noting that “religious leaders occupy a very important intersection in the prevention and management of these issues because they are recognised influential social mobilisers and actors in peace building. The Church must therefore see peace building as part of national security.”

With 2027 elections approaching, Akume urged the bishops to protect the democratic process.
“Elections will come and go, but Nigeria must remain. As Charismatic Bishops and fathers of faith, you have a decisive role to play, not in determining the winner, but in helping to ensure that Nigeria does not lose,” he said.

He called on them to encourage “peaceful and conscientious participation” and to speak out against “anti-democratic practices such as vote-buying, hate speech and the weaponisation of ethnicity or religion.”

Akume also cautioned against the politicisation of religious platforms:
“I urge you to please refrain from turning the pulpit into an instrument of incitement instead of the sanctuary of conscience. An election is a contest for office; it must never become a war for survival.”

The SGF asked the Synod to deliberate on collaboration with government in youth empowerment, education, peacebuilding, civic responsibility and humanitarian service.

“Government needs the moral reach of the Church and the Church needs an enabling civic environment to thrive. Above all, Nigeria needs both, to work perfectly, for the common good,” he said.

Commending the Church for its prayers and humanitarian interventions, Akume said the President “deeply values” its contributions to peace, national cohesion and moral formation.

He concluded by declaring the 12th Synod open and praying that “God grant Nigeria peace and bless our nation.”