ECWA Cries Out After Over ₦300M Spent On Ransoms
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has sounded the alarm over the growing wave of insecurity ravaging parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau States. The Church has appealed passionately to the Federal Government, calling for immediate and decisive action to curb the rising tide of violence, banditry, and kidnappings devastating their communities.
Speaking during a press conference held in Jos, the General Secretary of ECWA, Reverend Ayuba Asheshe, expressed grave concern over the unrelenting attacks on church members, their families, and farming communities.
“We are deeply troubled by the escalating violence and the heavy toll it continues to take on our people. Our members are being abducted, killed, and displaced. Entire communities are living in fear, and the sense of helplessness is overwhelming,” Reverend Asheshe stated.
In a shocking revelation, Reverend Asheshe disclosed that the church has already spent over ₦300 million in ransom payments to secure the release of kidnapped members. Despite these enormous efforts, he said, more than 50 ECWA members are still being held captive by criminal elements.
“The financial burden placed on the Church and affected families is enormous and unsustainable,” he lamented. “Beyond the financial strain, families are suffering immense emotional trauma, and many have lost their livelihoods as a result of these incessant attacks.”
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Highlighting the severity of the situation, Reverend Asheshe drew attention to the Kwassam District Church Council (DCC) in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He reported that in recent weeks alone, over 20 people have been killed and more than 100 individuals, including church members, have been abducted.
He further noted that these violent attacks are not only causing loss of lives but are also aggravating food insecurity in the region. Farming communities, which are critical to the local and regional food supply, are increasingly being targeted, leading to disruptions in food production and widespread hunger.
“Attacking agricultural communities creates a domino effect,” Reverend Asheshe explained. “When farmers are displaced or unable to work their lands, food shortages follow, prices soar, and hunger spreads beyond the immediate conflict zones.”
In his address, the ECWA General Secretary urged the federal government and all security agencies to rise to the challenge by restoring law and order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice.
“The Church cannot continue to bear these losses alone,” he emphasised. “We call on the government to prioritise the security of citizens, rebuild confidence in the affected areas, and implement sustainable solutions to end this cycle of violence.”
Reverend Asheshe also appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations, and all Nigerians to support efforts toward peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
As insecurity continues to spread across many parts of the country, ECWA’s cry reflects the growing frustration among communities who feel abandoned and vulnerable in the face of relentless violence.
Content Credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit: newsexpressngr.com
