The Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, has decried the spate of violence, banditry, and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, revealing that the Church has so far spent over N300 million on ransom payments.
General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, made the disclosure during a press conference held on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State.
Asheshe said the persistent attacks had left the Church and its members devastated, noting that more than 50 members of the congregation were still in captivity despite the huge sums already expended.
He said, “ECWA expresses its profound grief and deep concern over a surge of violent incidents impacting its members and communities in Kaduna and Plateau states.
These interconnected crises, marked by banditry, kidnappings, and brutal militia attacks, demand immediate and decisive intervention from the government and all stakeholders.”
Speaking specifically on the situation in Kaduna, Asheshe said communities under the Kwassam DCC in Kauru Local Government Area had been under siege by bandits in recent weeks.
According to him, “Over 20 lives have been lost, and over 100 individuals, including Church members and community residents, have been abducted.
The Church has already spent over 300 million Naira in ransom payments, 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.”
The cleric warned that the continued attacks on predominantly farming communities were not only deepening the humanitarian crisis but also posing a serious threat to food security in the affected areas and beyond, due to the disruption of agricultural activities.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to stem the tide of violence and restore peace to the troubled areas.
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