February in Nigeria: A month of tragedy and thanksgiving for Christians in the north

It’s been a few weeks of mixed fortunes for believers in the country; with grief and praise being expressed in varying measures.

The month started with cause for celebration following the release of the final group of 80 believers who had been kidnapped by gunmen.

On 18 January 2026, a total of 177 people had been kidnapped in Kurmin Wali by armed gunmen. Eleven managed to escape. On Thursday, 05 February 2026, the remaining Christians were safely brought home with great relief and thanksgiving. 

However, before these celebrations had even waned, another tragedy was unfolding. A new round of kidnappings took place from Friday 06 – Sunday 08 February 2026.

At least 51 people are reported to have been abducted and six killed over three days during attacks on four different villages.

The first attack took place at the Saint John’s Catholic Church in the Utonkon District in the Ado Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. According to Agenzia Fides the kidnapping took place on Friday 06 February, while various local online news reports it taking place on Sunday 08 February 2026. 

Emmanuel Udah, a former councilor who represents the Ukwuenyo Ward in the area, confirmed the incident, according to Channels TV.

Udah said it was a “targeted and planned crime against the Church, when innocent worshippers were at the most sacred ground, a place of worship, a place for peace, and refuge, only to be abducted, while praying, vulnerable and unarmed”.

The Benue State police confirmed the incident. Udeme Edet, of the police said tactical units were deployed to rescue the kidnapped worshippers.

According to Nigerian security sources cited by AFP, other attacks took place in the southern part of Kaduna State.

Armed men abducted 11 people, including a priest, and killed three others in the Kajuru local government area. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of a priest, Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Karku, in the Kajuru area. According to a statement from the archdiocese, the attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday morning 07 February at his residence and also resulted in the deaths of three people, in what witnesses described as “an invasion by a group of terrorists.”

Bishop Michael Ekwoyi Apochi of the Otukpo Catholic Diocese has condemned the 06 February attack as “deeply saddening and unfortunate” and urged prayers for the hostages’ safe release. He noted that such violence is not isolated in the region, recalling that at least seven Christians were abducted from the same locality in December 2025.