Press Release
“Another wave of violence
against Christians in Nigeria:
sorrow, condemnation and prayer”

2 March 2026

The Universal Christian Church of the New Jerusalem firmly condemns the dramatic escalation of violence that targeted Christian communities in Nigeria during the month of February.

In recent days, a surge of attacks across several regions of the Country has further deepened an already alarming state of fear and persecution.

On the night of 9 February 2026, armed militants stormed into the villages of Kutaho and Kugir, located in the Aribi district of Kaduna State. Thirty-four individuals were abducted, among them a catechist and his pregnant wife.

On 17 February 2026, in Gwer West County, Benue State, Fulani extremists murdered a primary school teacher and his wife. Concurrently, six travellers were seized along the Makurdi–Naka highway near the village of Kula, Rivers State.

On 24 February 2026, armed assailants executed a brutal massacre in the Christian enclaves of Kirchinga and Garaha, Adamawa State, claiming the lives of at least 25 worshippers. Local reports confirm this as the fifth targeted strike in the Madagali region within a mere five-month span.

On that same day, in Ekiti State, armed men abducted a Christian woman from the village of Ekamarun; she was subjected to rape before being murdered.

The Church offers her deepest prayers for the families of the victims, for those who have been kidnapped and for all those who live under constant threat. In this month of March, dedicated to St Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church, Patron Saint of every family, and Guardian of Christianity, we entrust all Christians persecuted in Nigeria to his powerful intercession. We invoke his protection upon our suffering brothers and sisters.

“If one part is hurt, all the parts share its pain”
(1Cor 12:26).