Sunday, 27 April 2025 04:31

Church spends hundreds of millions on ransom as kidnappings, killings worsen nationwide

Rate this item
(0 votes)

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has revealed that it has paid hundreds of millions of naira in ransom to secure the release of its kidnapped members, underscoring Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and its devastating economic impact on families and institutions.

At a press conference in Jos on Friday, ECWA’s General Secretary, Ayuba Asheshe, lamented the persistent targeting of church members, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau states, where armed gangs continue to terrorize communities with near-total impunity.

Hundreds of Millions Paid, Dozens Still in Captivity

Asheshe disclosed that the church is currently negotiating for the release of about 50 abducted members, adding to the already staggering financial burden.

“The church has already expended hundreds of millions of naira as ransom payment. 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,” he said.

The crisis has hit farming communities hardest, further crippling food production and local economies in regions already struggling with poverty.

Relentless Attacks in Kaduna, Plateau

In Kwassam District, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, over 20 lives have been lost to relentless banditry and kidnappings, while in Binawa, Lere LGA, 16 people were abducted in a single night, with six killed and four injured.

Plateau State has also seen a horrifying surge in violence. In April alone, Fulani militia attacks in Hurti Village (Bokkos LGA) and Zike/Kimakpa (Bassa LGA) left 90 dead, including pastors, women, and children. Hundreds of homes were burned, farmlands destroyed, and food supplies looted—deepening hunger and displacement.

A Nation in Crisis

These incidents reflect Nigeria’s broader security collapse, where kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence have spiraled out of control. The economic fallout is severe: families are bankrupted by ransom demands, farmers are displaced, and entire communities live in fear.

ECWA’s revelations highlight not just a security emergency but a looming humanitarian and economic disaster, as Nigeria’s instability continues to drive poverty, hunger, and despair.

May 23, 2025

FG earns 52 kobo from every N1 made by Dangote Cement – Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has stated that the Federal Government earns 52…
May 12, 2025

Northern leaders demand urgent action on insecurity, push for state police

Amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, the 19 Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for…
May 23, 2025

The strongest leaders avoid these 5 management mistakes

Stefan Grigorov Key Takeaways People, not tools, drive innovation in the age of AI. Consensus…
May 17, 2025

Woman files for divorce after ChatGPT read husband’s affair in coffee cup

A Greek woman decided to divorce her husband of 12 years after ChatGPT told her…
May 23, 2025

Bandits kill two soldiers, others in attacks on Benue community

Suspected bandits have killed four people, including two soldiers, in an attack on Ijaha Ikobi,…
May 23, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 595

Aid trucks enter Gaza after delays, as pressure mounts on Israel Israel allowed 100 aid…
May 11, 2025

African diet – plantains and cassava can be as healthy as tomatoes and olive oil,…

Plantains, cassava and fermented banana drink should be added to global healthy eating guidelines alongside…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.