Terrorists Kill Abducted ECWA Pastor in Kwara Despite N5 Million Ransom Payment

A wave of grief has swept through Kwara State following the brutal killing of Reverend James Audu Issa, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), who was murdered by terrorists after weeks in captivity despite his family and community paying a negotiated ransom of N5 million.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Patigi Local Government Area and beyond, underscores the worsening insecurity in Kwara North and the rising audacity of armed groups operating across the state.

Abduction and Ransom Negotiations

Rev. Issa was abducted on August 28, 2025, from Ekati village in Patigi LGA by heavily armed men who stormed the community. Sources revealed that his captors initially demanded an astronomical ransom of N100 million for his release, a sum far beyond the capacity of the impoverished rural community.

After tense back-and-forth negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N5 million. Members of the church, family, and the Ekati community reportedly pulled resources together, making immense sacrifices in the hope of securing the cleric’s safe return.

Tragically, after receiving the N5 million ransom, the bandits escalated their demands by insisting on an additional N45 million. Before fresh negotiations could commence, Rev. Issa was killed.

“This is not just a case of kidnap-for-ransom but what many call a ‘ransom-for-murder,’ where victims are killed even after families have been bankrupted trying to secure their freedom,” a local source told reporters.

Community Devastation

The killing of the pastor has plunged Ekati village and the wider Patigi Emirate into mourning. Residents described him as a selfless cleric dedicated to serving his congregation and community. His death, they said, represents not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a severe blow to the fragile hope of residents struggling under the weight of insecurity.

Nupeko TV, which closely covered the incident, reported:
“After collecting the N5 million, the bandits reportedly exhibited extreme cruelty by demanding an additional N45 million. Tragically, before any further negotiation could take place, Rev. James Audu Issa was killed by the criminal gang. This act underscores the exceptional ruthlessness of the groups terrorizing Kwara North.”

Rising Insecurity in Kwara

The killing of Rev. Issa comes amid a spate of abductions and attacks across Kwara North in recent weeks. Only days before, a police officer identified as Ezra was abducted in Patigi LGA.

According to eyewitnesses, Ezra and a colleague were ambushed while riding motorcycles early in the morning. Gunmen opened fire, forcing them to scatter. While his colleague narrowly escaped, Ezra was overpowered and taken away. His whereabouts remain unknown as of press time, with no official statement yet issued by security authorities.

The abduction of a serving police officer has heightened concerns that armed groups in Kwara are growing increasingly daring, targeting not only civilians but also law enforcement officials.

Similarly, two brothers were seized by gunmen on their cassava farm in Bokungi Zambufu, Edu LGA, under Lafiagi Emirate. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived firing sporadically, sending villagers fleeing for safety. The brothers, one of whom has been identified as Mohammed Mohammed, a former President of the National Association of Nupe Students (NANUS), were captured and taken away.

Residents say these repeated attacks are forcing farmers to abandon their lands, threatening food security in Kwara North, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood.

Public Outcry and Calls for Action

The killing of the ECWA pastor has triggered outrage across social and religious communities. Many Nigerians have taken to public forums to express anger over the government’s failure to curb escalating banditry.

Some lamented that paying ransom no longer guarantees the release of victims, warning that communities are being left at the mercy of terrorists who now kill even after receiving payments. Others criticized the government for focusing on political and economic agendas while insecurity spreads deeper into the North Central and even threatens the South West.

“The primary duty of government is to protect lives and property. Insecurity has never been this bad in our history. Communities are left defenseless while terrorists operate unchecked,” one commentator said.

Religious leaders have also raised alarms about the targeting of Christians in rural communities. Advocacy groups have pointed to international reports, including the 2025 Open Doors World Watch List, which ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians.

Growing Fear Across the Region

Security experts warn that Kwara is emerging as a new stronghold for bandits who have been pushed from some Northern states by military operations. The porous nature of the riverine and forested terrain in Kwara North, coupled with inadequate security presence, makes it an attractive base for criminal groups.

There are also fears that the violence may spread further south if urgent steps are not taken. Analysts have urged state governments in the South West to strengthen local security outfits to prevent infiltration by criminal gangs.

For now, the people of Ekati, Patigi, and wider Kwara North are left reeling from yet another tragedy, with many questioning how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken.

The killing of Rev. James Audu Issa stands as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis — one where even faith, prayers, and sacrifice have proven insufficient in the face of unrestrained brutality.