Church raises alarm as gunmen abduct pastor in Nasarawa
The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) has urged the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to take immediate action following the abduction of its presiding pastor in Gudi Ginda, located within the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area. Rev. Monday Habu was reportedly kidnapped by armed assailants in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
In a statement, the church condemned the abduction and called for prompt measures to ensure the pastor’s safe return. The incident comes just three days after the release of Daniel Philip Affiku, a church member also previously kidnapped, highlighting a troubling pattern of abductions in the area.
The church expressed concern over what it termed a deteriorating security situation, particularly along the Akwanga-Gudi road and in nearby rural communities. It noted that these areas have become increasingly perilous for both residents and travelers.
With the 2027 election season approaching, the church warned that these recurring incidents jeopardize community safety and peaceful coexistence. “The Akwanga-Gudi road and our rural communities are no longer safe. We need immediate deployment and patrol,” the statement read, appealing for increased security presence in the affected regions.
Additionally, the church directly called on the abductors to release Rev. Habu without harm, characterizing him as a dedicated clergyman committed to serving the impoverished. “We plead with the abductors: In the name of God you claim to serve, please release our Reverend unharmed. He is a man of God who serves the poor,” the statement continued.
Despite the ongoing threats, the church maintained that it would not be deterred by such attacks. It reaffirmed its commitment to prayer and advocacy for enhanced security measures for its members and the broader community. The church urged the state government to bolster security efforts, increase patrols along vulnerable routes, and take swift action to secure the pastor’s unconditional release.
Attempts to contact the Nasarawa State Police Command for confirmation of the abduction were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
