The state of Kaduna, one of the most unstable regions in Nigeria, has once again become the scene of a tragedy. According to United Nations security reports and representatives of the local clergy, armed bands kidnapped more than 160 Christians last Sunday during a coordinated attack against two churches in an isolated village.
This event is part of an ongoing crisis of violence; according to data from Open Doors, 3,490 people were killed in this African country during 2025 for reasons strictly related to their faith.
The Moment of the Attack: Ambush During Worship
Collected testimonies describe a militarily planned operation. The assailants arrived in large numbers, surrounded the houses of worship, and blocked all access roads.
«They forced the faithful out and took them into the forest. The action was carried out during religious celebrations, and so far, no official claims or ransom demands have been received».
Kaduna State, in the north-central part of the country, has for years been the epicenter of mass kidnappings and violent incursions against civil and religious communities.
Kaduna: A Strategic Region Mired in Insecurity
The importance of Kaduna lies in its geographic location: a transition strip between the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south. Criminal groups and armed militias operate in this area, taking advantage of the weak state presence in rural areas.
Amidst this crisis, the release of Father Bobbo Paschal, parish priest of St. Stephen’s Church, was recently confirmed. He had been kidnapped on November 17. After two months in captivity, the priest was released on January 17. Notably, during the initial assault on his residence, the bandits murdered the clergyman’s brother.
Nigeria: Global Epicenter of Violence Against Christians
The figures from 2025 consolidate Nigeria as the most dangerous place in the world for Christian faithful. The Open Doors report reveals alarming data regarding persecution in the country:
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3,490 fatalities: Representing approximately 70% of the global total of murders motivated by faith.
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«Extreme» persecution level: The country shares this category with states marked by conflict and the presence of jihadist groups.
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Increase in kidnappings: In recent months, attacks against priests, students, and the faithful have multiplied. Among the most serious cases is the kidnapping of more than 300 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State last November.
This wave of violence, which particularly affects women and minors, has also spread to the states of Kebbi, Kwara, and Ekiti, evidencing a humanitarian and faith crisis that spans the entire nation.
