ECWA Laments Over ₦300 Million Spent on Ransom, Urges Govt Action Amid Escalating Attacks in Kaduna, Plateau.
Jos, Nigeria – The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has sounded the alarm over escalating violence, banditry, and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, calling on the Federal Government to take immediate action to curb the crisis.
At a press conference held in Jos on Tuesday, ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe revealed that the church has spent over ₦300 million on ransom payments to secure the release of abducted members. Despite these payments, more than 50 church members remain in captivity, and many communities continue to face relentless attacks.
A Church Under Siege
Rev. Asheshe conveyed deep grief over the deteriorating security situation, noting that ECWA and its members have borne the brunt of violent assaults, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau states.
“ECWA expresses its profound sorrow and grave concern over the surge in violent incidents affecting our members and communities in Kaduna and Plateau states,” he said.
“These interconnected crises—marked by banditry, kidnappings, and militia attacks—demand immediate and decisive intervention from the government and all stakeholders.”
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Kaduna State: A Hotbed of Banditry and Abductions
In Kaduna State, the Kwassam District Church Council (DCC) in Kauru Local Government Area has been among the hardest hit. Rev. Asheshe reported that recent attacks have claimed over 20 lives and led to the abduction of more than 100 individuals, including church members and local residents.
“ECWA has already spent over ₦300 million on ransom payments, yet more than 50 people remain in captivity,” he lamented.
“This places an unbearable financial and emotional strain on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their livelihoods.”
He warned that the targeting of predominantly farming communities threatens regional food security:
“The assault on these agricultural areas exacerbates the crisis and poses a significant risk to food supplies in the region and beyond.”
Plateau State: Persistent Violence and Displacement
Plateau State, another ECWA stronghold, has also experienced a surge in violence, especially in rural communities. Coordinated militia attacks have resulted in deaths, mass abductions, and the displacement of thousands.
Rev. Asheshe noted that many church members have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in church compounds and makeshift camps. He appealed to both state and federal governments to bolster security operations and provide humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.
Government Inaction and the Call for Urgent Measures
The ECWA leadership condemned the government’s slow response, pointing out that repeated appeals have failed to stem the violence.
“We can no longer remain silent while our people are slaughtered, abducted, and displaced,” Rev. Asheshe declared.
“The government must act decisively to dismantle these criminal networks and restore peace to our communities.”
He urged the Federal Government to:
- Deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable communities in Kaduna and Plateau.
- Enhance intelligence-gathering to anticipate attacks and rescue victims.
- Provide financial and material support to families affected by kidnappings and displacement.
- Address root causes of banditry, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
The Humanitarian Toll
Beyond the financial burden of ransom payments, the psychological trauma on families is immense. Many released victims suffer severe mental distress, while others remain missing.
A Kaduna church member, speaking anonymously, shared his ordeal:
“They abducted my brother three months ago. We paid ₦5 million, but they still have not released him. We don’t know if he’s alive or dead.”
Calls for International Intervention
Given the crisis’s scale, ECWA has appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to intervene.
“The world cannot ignore what is happening in Nigeria,” Rev. Asheshe urged.
“We need global pressure to compel our leaders to act before more lives are lost.”
A Broader National Crisis
The situation in Kaduna and Plateau reflects Nigeria’s wider security challenges, where banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings are rampant. In 2023 alone, Nigeria recorded over 3,000 kidnappings, with ransom payments estimated in the billions of naira.
Security analysts warn that, without drastic government action, the crisis will worsen, further destabilizing the country.
A Plea for Action
As ECWA grapples with the devastating impact of insecurity, its leadership remains steadfast in calling for justice and peace.
“We pray for our nation, but faith without works is dead,” Rev. Asheshe concluded.
“We urge the government to act now before more innocent lives are lost.”
To date, the Federal Government has not responded officially to ECWA’s demands. Meanwhile, affected communities remain in fear, hoping for an end to the violence that has upended their lives.
TJ News Nigeria, Additional Reporting by Omajmite Don
