The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) has called on the Nasarawa State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene following the reported abduction of its pastor, Rev. Monday Habu, by gunmen in Gudi Ginda, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
Habu was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of residents in the community and neighbouring rural settlements.
In a statement condemning the incident, the church demanded the immediate deployment of security personnel and increased patrols along the Akwanga-Gudi Road, which it described as increasingly unsafe for residents and travellers.
According to the church, the abduction occurred barely three days after the release of Daniel Philip Affiku, a member of the congregation who had also been kidnapped.
The church added that the latest incident followed other reported abductions in the community earlier this year.
Church Warns Of Worsening Insecurity
The ERCC expressed concern that recurring kidnappings were creating fear among residents and threatening peaceful coexistence in the affected communities.
It urged the state government, police and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance, increase patrols and deploy personnel to vulnerable settlements to prevent further attacks.
“Nasarawa State Government and security agencies, the Akwanga-Gudi road and our rural communities are no longer safe. We need immediate deployment and patrol,” the statement said.
The church also expressed concern about the implications of the security situation as Nigeria approaches another election cycle, warning that residents should not remain vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Nasarawa Assembly Raises Concern Over Kidnappings
The latest abduction came a day after the Nasarawa State House of Assembly raised concerns over renewed kidnappings across the state.
During plenary on October 27, Speaker Danladi Jatau expressed concern over frequent abductions in Lafia and other areas, saying the incidents had left residents living in fear and disrupted economic activities.
The member representing Lafia Central, Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, told the House that two people had been abducted in Agyaragu, while further kidnappings were reported in Agunji, also in the Lafia area.
He called for urgent intervention to secure the victims’ release and prevent further incidents.
Nasarawa Eggon Communities Report Repeated Abductions
The abduction of Habu also follows reports of repeated kidnappings in parts of Nasarawa Eggon.
On October 10, reports from Mada Station indicated that two people had been abducted in Angwan Mission. Secondary school teacher Solomon Musa Ogah was also reportedly kidnapped earlier that week.
Residents subsequently appealed to the state government, police, local government council and the lawmaker representing Nasarawa Eggon West Constituency to strengthen security and facilitate the victims’ release.
Earlier in May, gunmen reportedly abducted seven people, including six students of Nasarawa State University, from an off-campus lodge in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area.
The attack prompted search-and-rescue operations involving the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes.
Professor’s Rescue Highlights Security Challenges
In July, Professor Samuel Okunsebor, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was abducted at Mile Uku, a boundary community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon local government areas.
He was subsequently rescued by Department of State Services operatives following an intelligence-driven operation, while two suspects were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.
The rescue offered some relief but also highlighted continuing concerns about the safety of residents and professionals in parts of the state.
ERCC Appeals For Pastor’s Safe Release
Against this background, the church appealed directly to Habu’s abductors to release him unharmed, describing him as a clergyman dedicated to serving poor and vulnerable people.
“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 said.
The church vowed to continue advocating for the safety of its members and other residents despite the security challenges.
“We will not be silenced by fear. We will continue to pray and demand security for our people,” it added.
The ERCC urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Habu’s release and prevent further kidnappings in Gudi Ginda and neighbouring communities. It also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and support legitimate community security initiatives.
As of the time of reporting, efforts to reach the Nasarawa State Police Command for official confirmation of the pastor’s abduction had been unsuccessful. His whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the incident had yet to be independently confirmed by the police.
