The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) said it has spent hundreds of millions as ransom to kidnappers to secure the release of its members.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Friday, Ayuba Asheshe, ECWA’s general secretary, expressed grief over the persistent targeting of church members, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau states.
He said the church is currently negotiating the release of about 50 other members still held captive by kidnappers.
Asheshe said Kwassam DCC in Kauru LGA of Kaduna has been ravaged by relentless banditry and kidnappings, leading to the loss of over 20 lives.
He added that the situation has placed an unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their livelihood.
“The church has already expended hundreds of millions of naira as ransom payment. Yet over 50 individuals remain in captivity placing an unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families, many of whom had lost their livelihoods,” he said.
“The targeting of pre-dominantly farming communities in the region further exacerbated the crisis.
“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.”
