Two Christians killed and pastor kidnapped during church service in Nigeria

Artistic reconstruction of the attack on the Anglican church in Nigeria. Photo: open sources

On December 7, 2025, armed men attacked St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in the community of Lilu in southeastern Nigeria, killing two Christians and abducting the pastor. The incident was reported by Christian Daily.

According to local residents, the assault took place early in the morning as parishioners were gathering for the service. The attackers opened fire, killing the wife of the Anglican priest and another worshipper, then kidnapped the priest himself. The church building and the priest’s house were set on fire.

Witnesses say several other parishioners were wounded during the shooting. “There was indiscriminate shooting, many worshippers sustained injuries, and there was also extensive property damage, including the burning of vehicles, the church building and the priest’s residence,” a local woman reported.

State police said they have intensified operations in the area. A police spokesman noted that a joint security task force has been formed to track down and capture the attackers.

The incident comes amid an ongoing crisis of mass kidnappings of schoolchildren in Nigeria. Authorities recently announced the release of 100 children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, though dozens remain in captivity. Parents say they still have not received full information about the fate of all their children.

“My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely,” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said in a press statement. “We must account for all the victims.”

This wave of violence unfolds as Nigeria faces increased pressure from the United States to take firmer action to stop attacks on Christians. According to the World Watch List 2025 report, Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all Christians killed worldwide last year.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Islamists in Nigeria attacked a church, kidnapping a priest and parishioners.

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