The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has condemned the abduction of 166 worshippers from two churches in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state, describing the attack as part of a pattern of violence against Christians in northern Nigeria.
In a statement posted on X, the committee cited former US president Donald Trump’s past declarations on religious freedom, saying Washington would not “stand by” in the face of continued killings and kidnappings carried out by what it described as Islamic terrorists.
“This past Sunday, Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians,” the committee said.
“President Trump made it clear: we cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria. The United States will not tolerate the massacre of innocent Christians.”
The attack occurred on 18 January, when gunmen stormed Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali community, abducting worshippers during services. Security sources said 11 of those taken later escaped, leaving 166 people — including women and children — still in captivity.
Kaduna state police and the state government have confirmed the abductions and said security agencies are working to rescue the victims.
The leadership of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also called for the immediate release of those held, urging federal and state authorities to intensify efforts to secure their freedom.
Nigeria has faced persistent attacks by armed groups across its northern and central regions, with churches and rural communities frequently targeted for mass kidnappings, despite repeated assurances by authorities that security has improved.