The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) said it has spent over N300 million paying kidnappers to release church members with negotiations ongoing for about 50 other victims’ release.
The church confirmed that kidnappers have focused on its members in Kaduna and Plateau States, expressing grief and deep concerns over a surge of violent incidents against the church.
Addressing reporters in his office in Jos, ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe noted that the interconnected crises marked by banditry, kidnapping, and brutal militia attacks demanded immediate and decisive intervention from government and all stakeholders.
Asheshe said Kwassam DCC in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State has been ravaged by relentless banditry and kidnappings leading to the loss of over 20 lives.
He said the church has already expended over N300 million in ransom payments yet over 50 individuals remain in captivity, placing an unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their livelihood.
“Simultaneously, the Binawa LCC of ECWA Saminaka DCC in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has also suffered recent attacks.
“On the night of Tuesday, February 4, 2025, three communities – Majagada 2, Majagada 1, and Tsohon Garin Binawa – were targeted, resulting in the kidnapping of 16 individuals, the killing of 6, and injuries to 4 others.
“These tragic events have plunged the affected communities into deep mourning and fear, highlighting the continued vulnerability of ECWA members.
“These incidents in Kwassam and Binawa are but two examples of the numerous kidnapping crises affecting the wider ECWA family across Nigeria.
“Adding to this immense pain, a separate tragedy occurred in Biliri, Gombe State, during an Easter Monday celebration. A trailer truck lost control and tragically struck a procession of Christians, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuries to many others.
“Furthermore, ECWA is witnessing an alarming escalation of violence in Plateau State, orchestrated by Fulani militia and their sponsors against defenseless communities.
“On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, Hurti Village in the Manguna District of Bokkos LGA was subjected to an unprovoked and brutal attack. Forty people, including two ECWA pastors, were murdered, 240 houses were burned down, and massive quantities of food grains and valuable materials were looted or destroyed.
“A distressing number of villagers remain missing.
“Similarly, on Monday, April 14, 2025, between 12:10 am and 1:30 am, the Zike and Kimakpa Communities in the Kwall District of Bassa LGA were besieged. Fifty individuals, including children, women, and men, were killed, and 10 others were injured.
“Homes, household items, and farmlands suffered extensive destruction, leaving families in utter despair. These attacks are viewed as part of a systematic campaign of terror against predominantly Christian communities who have long been marginalized and left vulnerable”.
The General Secretary said ECWA was deeply pained by the escalating violence and the immense suffering inflicted upon its members and communities.
“The long-term consequences of this insecurity, particularly concerning food security and the overall well-being of communities, are of grave concern.
“ECWA implores the government at all levels, as well as all stakeholders, to urgently address these interconnected menaces.
“We call for a concerted effort to develop and implement effective strategies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and militia attacks, and to restore peace and security to our rural areas”,
Asheshe said it was imperative to work collectively toward creating safe havens for the present and future generations and specifically call upon the Federal Government and Security Agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
He further called on the Plateau State Government to provide immediate relief and resettlement support to the displaced, as well as called on the international community, human rights organizations, and global church bodies to raise their voices and stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Plateau State and Nigeria.
The ECWA General Secretary urged every community to, as much as possible, prepare itself by being vigilant. (The Nation)
