Jos Pastor Kidnapped

Retired Pastor Abducted in Plateau State, Church Reports Multiple Attacks

A retired pastor from The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), identified as Pastor Sunday Agang, has been abducted from his residence in Jos, Plateau State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, has sent ripples of concern through the community and the wider church denomination.

Dickson Auta, the Public Relations Officer for ECWA, confirmed the abduction, stating, “Yes, it’s true. We got a report of the abduction.” The pastor was reportedly taken from his home in the Farin-Gada community of Jos North Local Government Area by a group of approximately six gunmen.

According to a source close to the family, the assailants invaded the retired pastor’s residence around 5:00 am. At the time of the invasion, the family members were still asleep. The gunmen forced their way into the house, holding the family hostage before forcibly taking Pastor Agang at gunpoint to an undisclosed location. The source also indicated that the perpetrators managed to escape with their victim in a vehicle before any alarm could be raised.

This abduction is part of a disturbing pattern of escalating violence targeting ECWA members and clergy. The church has issued a statement acknowledging a series of criminal attacks that have affected its congregations and leadership in both Kwara State and Plateau State.

The statement, titled “ECWA Confirms Attacks on Congregation and Abduction of Pastor, Calls for Calm and Prayer,” and signed by church spokesman Dickson Auta, detailed the recent spate of violence.

Series of Attacks Underscore Growing Security Concerns

The church’s statement highlighted two primary incidents that have caused significant distress:

• Attack on Church Service in Kwara State: Earlier in the week, a church service at Oke Oro LCC of Oro Ago, DCC, in Kwara State, was violently interrupted by armed bandits. During this assault, eight worshippers were abducted, and several others sustained injuries of varying severity. The attackers also made off with the victims’ mobile phones and other valuables.

• Abduction of Pastor Sunday Bobai Agangs: Following the incident in Kwara State, Rev. Sunday Bobai Agangs, a pastor with the denomination, was subsequently abducted. While the statement mentions Rev. Sunday Bobai Agangs, it is understood to refer to the same individual as Pastor Sunday Agang, who was abducted in Plateau State. The church is actively working to clarify and consolidate information regarding these connected events.

The ECWA leadership has confirmed receiving all reports pertaining to these incidents and is actively engaged in addressing the situation. The church is urging its members and the public to maintain composure while engaging in fervent prayer.

“The Church is calling on everyone to remain calm but prayerful because God is going to fight His battle Himself,” the statement read, reflecting a call for faith in the face of adversity.

The church has pledged to provide further updates as the situation develops, emphasizing its commitment to keeping its community informed. The ongoing incidents underscore the persistent security challenges faced by religious communities in parts of Nigeria, prompting calls for enhanced protection and prayers for the safe return of all those affected. The church’s response highlights a dual approach of active engagement with authorities and a reliance on spiritual fortitude during these trying times.