BREAKING: Terrorists Kill Abducted ECWA Pastor In Kwara Despite Collecting N5million Ransom

The cleric was abducted from Ekati village in the Patigi Local Government Area around August 28, 2025.

Terrorists ravaging communities In Kwara State have brutally killed Reverend James Audu Issa, a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), despite collecting millions of naira from his distressed family in ransom.

The cleric was abducted from Ekati village in the Patigi Local Government Area around August 28, 2025.

His family, church, and community members struggled for weeks to meet the abductors’ demands in the hope of securing his release.

Sources told Nupeko TV that the gunmen initially demanded N100million for his freedom. 

After tense negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N5 million, which was eventually paid by the impoverished community in a desperate attempt to save the pastor.

However, after receiving the N5 million, the bandits displayed extreme cruelty by demanding an additional N45 million. Before any further negotiations could be made, they killed the cleric.

Nupeko TV wrote: “The bandits initially demanded an exorbitant ransom of N100 million.The distraught family and community were reportedly able to negotiate the sum down to N5million, which they paid in an effort to secure the pastor's freedom.

“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 reportedly killed by the criminal gang.

“This act of brutality, known as a "ransom-for-murder" scenario, where victims are killed after their families bankrupt themselves, underscores the exceptional ruthlessness of the bandit groups terrorising Kwara North. The death of the pastor, particularly after the community's immense sacrifice, is a severe blow to the Ekati community and the entire Patigi Emirate, deepening the sense of despair and insecurity.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that a police officer identified as Ezra has been abducted by bandits in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, between 6am and 7am, while the officer was returning from duty in Patigi town and heading toward Lade.

Sources noted that Ezra, an indigene of Ndanakun community, was riding on a motorcycle ahead of a colleague when the attackers ambushed them and opened fire.

While his colleague managed to escape, Ezra, who was riding in front, was targeted, overpowered, and whisked away to an undisclosed location.

The source said the bandits were "shooting guns sporadically." 

The abduction of a serving officer underscores the growing audacity of armed groups operating across Edu and Patigi, where residents have repeatedly raised alarms about rising insecurity.

As of press time, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the attack or confirmed whether rescue efforts were underway.

Earlier on Thursday, SaharaReporters reported the abduction of two brothers by bandits while working on their cassava farm in the Edu Local Government Area of the state.

The attack occurred on Wednesday at Bokungi Zambufu community under the Lafiagi Emirate. 

According to NupekoTV, eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the farmland and opened fire “sporadically,” forcing villagers to flee.

The two brothers were unable to escape and were taken away by the gunmen.

One of the victims was identified as Mohammed Mohammed, a prominent community figure and former President of the National Association of Nupe Students (NANUS).

The report noted that the incident heightened fears among farmers in Kwara North, many of whom already faced severe threats from recurring kidnappings.

Residents accused authorities of failing to address the rising wave of attacks, warning that agricultural activities in the area are under grave threat.