They had a harrowing ordeal.
Two pastors from the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Rev. James Kwayang and Rev. Ishaku Chiwar, have been freed after being held hostage for several days in northeastern Nigeria. The pair were kidnapped on December 29, 2024, from a church in Mbila-Malibu, located in Adamawa State. EYN president, Rev. Daniel Mbaya, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support from both the church and fellow Christians after their safe return on January 5. However, the specific conditions surrounding their release have not been disclosed.
This incident has shed light on the growing problem of kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly those targeting Christians. The country continues to be one of the most perilous locations for Christians worldwide, with frequent abductions and attacks on religious groups. In 2024, Nigeria was ranked highest globally for Christian abductions, with more than 3,300 reported cases. Furthermore, the country witnessed the tragic deaths of 4,118 Christians during a 12-month period, primarily due to their faith.
The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, a major Christian denomination in the country, has experienced substantial disruptions due to the violent activities of extremist groups like Boko Haram. These assaults have severely impacted the church’s operations, which once boasted nearly a million members. Despite these challenges, the church remains a vital part of Nigeria’s Christian community, with its leaders urging continued prayer and unity in difficult times.
The violence in Nigeria extends beyond extremist groups, with Muslim Fulani herdsmen, some of whom hold radical Islamic views, also contributing to the growing insecurity. These herdsmen have been accused of targeting Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region, with motives linked to efforts to seize land and spread Islam, worsened by desertification affecting their herding practices.
As Nigeria’s security situation remains dire, calls for greater attention to the safety of Christians continue to grow. The release of the two pastors serves as a reminder of the power of global solidarity and prayer in the face of escalating violence, although the broader challenges persist.