The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has revealed that it has spent over N300 million paying ransom to kidnappers in a desperate attempt to free its members, with more than 50 individuals still held captive. The church has expressed deep concern about the rising tide of kidnappings and violent attacks targeting its members, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau States. The situation, the church says, is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and requires urgent intervention from the government.
In a press briefing in Jos, ECWA’s General Secretary, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, spoke about the challenges posed by ongoing banditry, kidnappings, and militia attacks, which have wreaked havoc on communities and church members. Asheshe emphasized that the situation was worsening, particularly in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have escalated their operations.
“Over N300 million has been spent so far in paying ransoms, but more than 50 members of the church remain in the hands of kidnappers,” Asheshe said, noting that the financial strain on the church and families affected by these kidnappings is becoming unbearable. The church has been forced to fund these ransom payments to secure the release of their members, many of whom have been kidnapped while going about their daily activities.
The crisis has been most severe in the Kwassam District of Kauru Local Government Area in Kaduna State, where rampant banditry and kidnappings have claimed over 20 lives in recent months. In addition to the kidnappings, entire communities are living in constant fear of attack. Another distressing incident took place in the Binawa Local Church Council (LCC) of the ECWA Saminaka District in Lere Local Government Area. On February 4, 2025, three communities – Majagada 2, Majagada 1, and Tsohon Garin Binawa – were attacked, resulting in the kidnapping of 16 people, the killing of 6, and injuries to 4 others.
“These incidents have left the communities deeply wounded, both physically and emotionally,” Asheshe said, adding that these are just two examples of the wider wave of attacks on ECWA members across the country.
In addition to the kidnappings, ECWA has also faced tragedy in Gombe State, where a trailer truck lost control during an Easter Monday celebration and crashed into a procession of Christians, killing five and injuring several others. While the church continues to mourn the loss of its members, the violence against Christians in the region is only getting worse.
Plateau State, particularly, has witnessed a sharp rise in attacks by Fulani militia. On April 2, 2025, the village of Hurti in Bokkos Local Government Area was subjected to an unprovoked assault, which left 40 people dead, including two ECWA pastors. In addition, 240 houses were burned down, and food supplies and valuables were looted. A number of villagers are still missing. Another horrific attack took place in Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area on April 14, 2025, during which 50 people, including children, women, and men, were killed, and 10 others were injured.
“These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger, systematic campaign of terror aimed at Christian communities,” Asheshe stated, explaining that the violence is not only destructive but also part of a broader effort to intimidate and displace vulnerable Christian communities in the region.
The General Secretary urged the Nigerian government to address the deepening insecurity with urgency, warning of the long-term consequences if the violence continues unchecked. He highlighted the impact of these attacks on food security, community cohesion, and the overall well-being of Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas. Asheshe also called for a coordinated effort among all stakeholders, including the government, religious organizations, and the international community, to bring an end to these atrocities.
“We must work together to find lasting solutions to banditry, kidnapping, and militia attacks. The government must act quickly and decisively to stop the perpetrators of these attacks,” he said, urging security agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
ECWA is calling for immediate relief and resettlement support for displaced families, especially those affected by the attacks in Plateau State. The church is also appealing to the international community, human rights organizations, and global church bodies to raise their voices in solidarity with the suffering people of Nigeria.
Asheshe concluded his remarks by urging all communities to remain vigilant. “As we continue to pray for our members, we also encourage every community to be alert and prepared. The situation demands that we come together to ensure the safety and security of our people,” he said.
The ongoing wave of violence against Christians, especially those in rural areas, has sparked calls for stronger protection and support from both the Nigerian government and international bodies. The church’s continued struggle to free its members from captivity and protect its communities highlights the severe insecurity that is gripping the northern parts of Nigeria.
As the situation worsens, ECWA is calling for immediate and decisive action to curb the violence, restore peace to affected communities, and prevent further loss of life.
