The leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning All has strongly condemned the escalating incidents of violence, banditry, and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening situation.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos, the General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, disclosed that the Church had so far spent over N300 million on ransom payments for abducted members. He also revealed that despite the huge financial outlay, more than 50 members of the Church are still being held captive.
Rev. Asheshe said, “ECWA expresses its profound grief and deep concern over a surge of violent incidents impacting its members and communities in Kaduna and Plateau states. These interconnected crises, marked by banditry, kidnappings, and brutal militia attacks, demand immediate and decisive intervention from government and all stakeholders.”
Highlighting the severity of the attacks, he specifically pointed to the situation in Kaduna State, saying, “In Kaduna State, the Kwassam DCC of the Kauru Local Government Area has been ravaged by relentless banditry and kidnappings in recent weeks. Over 20 lives have been lost, and over 100 individuals, including Church members and community residents, have been abducted.”
Rev. Asheshe lamented the enormous financial burden placed on the Church and affected families due to the continuous payment of ransoms. He stated, “The Church has already spent over 300 million Naira 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 livelihoods. The targeting of predominantly farming communities in the region further exacerbates the crisis, posing a significant threat to food security in the affected areas and neighboring communities due to the disruption of agricultural activities.”
The Church’s leadership, while expressing sympathy with victims and affected families, insisted that urgent steps must be taken by the government and all relevant authorities to stem the tide of violence and restore peace and security to the embattled regions.
