26th April , 2025
Oyedapo Oyewole
News desk
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.
