Gunmen abduct ERCC pastor in Nasarawa

Thursday, October 29, 2026 - The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ, ERCC, has called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene following the abduction of its presiding pastor in Gudi Ginda, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state.

The clergyman, Rev. Monday Habu, was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The church confirmed the incident in a statement condemning the abduction and demanding immediate action to secure the pastor’s safe release.

According to the church, the incident occurred barely three days after the release of Daniel Philip Affiku, a member of the congregation who had also been abducted. It added that the latest incident was part of a series of kidnappings recorded in the community earlier this year.

The church expressed concern over what it described as deteriorating security in the area, particularly along the Akwanga-Gudi road and in surrounding rural communities, which it said had become increasingly unsafe for residents and travellers.

It also warned that the recurring incidents threatened the safety of the community and the peaceful coexistence of residents, especially as the 2027 election season approaches.

“The Akwanga-Gudi road and our rural communities are no longer safe. We need immediate deployment and patrol,” the statement said, appealing to the state government and security agencies to strengthen their presence in the affected areas.

The church also appealed directly to the abductors to release the pastor unharmed, describing him as a clergyman dedicated to serving the poor.

“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 added.

Despite the incident, the church said it would not be intimidated by the recurring attacks, insisting that it would continue to pray and demand improved security for its members and the wider community.

It urged the state government to intensify security surveillance, increase patrols along vulnerable routes and rural settlements, and take urgent steps to ensure the pastor’s safe and unconditional release.

As of the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the Nasarawa State Police Command for official confirmation of the abduction were unsuccessful.