In Nigeria, Islamists abduct pastor's wife and three children
On July 18, 2026, armed Islamists abducted the wife of Pastor Moses Guguma and three of his children in northeastern Nigeria, reports Persecution.org.
The family was traveling from Maiduguri to Damasak, where the pastor leads a congregation of the Church of Christ in All Nations. Near a military checkpoint in the village of Kareto, militants stopped a passenger vehicle, forced their way inside, and ordered the woman and children to get out of the car.
According to an eyewitness, the attackers released the driver and other passengers because they were Muslims. The pastor's wife and three children were forcibly taken away in an unknown direction. It is believed that fighters from Boko Haram or the Islamic State of West Africa are responsible for the abduction.
The pastor said that his wife had recently undergone medical treatment and was on her way to him with the children after being discharged from the hospital. "Pray for us. My wife is still recovering from her illness," he appealed to his congregation.
Members of the church community believe the family was abducted because of their Christian faith. According to them, Islamists frequently demand large ransoms for hostages, coerce them into converting to Islam, or kill them if they refuse. At the time of publication, no ransom demands had been received.
The Union of Orthodox Journalists previously reported that the United States blocked financial support for Nigeria due to the persecution of Christians.
