by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ABUJA (Worthy News) – The wife and daughter of a late Anglican priest who died in captivity have regained their freedom after nearly three months in the hands of kidnappers, as concern mounted Monday over the abductions of more than 150 worshippers in coordinated attacks on churches in northern Nigeria, officials and sources said.
Church-linked sources confirmed the release of relatives of Edwin Achi, who died while held by his captors, amid a surge in violence targeting Christian communities.
The development came as gunmen abducted worshippers during simultaneous attacks on three churches in northwestern Nigeria, according to a state lawmaker.
These raids occurred on Sunday in Kurmin Wali, in the Kajuru area of Kaduna State, while services were underway at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation, a Cherubim and Seraphim church, and a Catholic Church, Christians said.
“As of yesterday, 177 people were missing, and 11 came back. So we have 168 still missing,” added lawmaker Usman Danlami Stingo, who represents the area.
Police in Kaduna State had not commented, and no group immediately claimed responsibility.
NIGERIA RANKED AMONG MOST DANGEROUS FOR CHRISTIANS
Abductions and attacks by armed gangs and Islamist-linked extremist-linked groups have become common across parts of northern Nigeria, where security is thin and remote communities are especially vulnerable.
The north has been hit hardest, with churches and clergy repeatedly targeted during worship services.
Christian advocacy groups say the violence reflects a broader pattern of persecution.
Open Doors ranks Nigeria among the world’s most dangerous countries for Christians on its World Watch List, citing persistent attacks by jihadist groups, bandits, and criminal networks, as well as weak protection for religious minorities.
Believers face killings, kidnappings, church burnings, and forced displacement, particularly in the north and Middle Belt.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have previously alleged that Christians are being singled out, while Nigerian authorities deny religious bias, saying victims include people of all faiths.
Despite the risks, church leaders say many believers remain determined to “continue worshipping,” even as families await news of loved ones still missing after Sunday’s attacks.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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