Two pastors from the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) have been released after being kidnapped in northeastern Nigeria, according to church leaders.

Rev James Kwayang and Rev Ishaku Chiwar were abducted by terrorists on 29th December 2024, from a church in Mbila-Malibu town, Adamawa state.

The EYN president, Rev Daniel Mbaya, expressed gratitude for the pastors' safe return, thanking the church community for their prayers and support, The Christian Post reports. 

The terms of their release remain undisclosed.

Suleiman Nguroje, a police spokesperson in Adamawa State, confirmed the pastors' release on 6th January 2025.

EYN had previously called for prayers for their safe return during the difficult time.

EYN is the largest body of the Church of the Brethren globally, with nearly one million members before attacks by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

Kidnappings of Christians have become increasingly common in Nigeria, with over 3,300 reported last year, according to Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List.

Nigeria continues to be the deadliest country for Christians, with 4,118 deaths recorded between October 2022 and September 2023. 

The rise in kidnappings and violence, especially in the Middle Belt, has been attributed to both Islamic extremists and radicalized Muslim Fulani herdsmen, who have targeted Christian communities as part of a wider struggle over land and religious dominance.