Kidnappers kill abducted pastor after ransom payment

NIGERIA – Bandits have reportedly killed Rev. James Audu Issa, a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), who had been abducted since August this year.

According to reports gathered by Daily Post, the pastor was murdered despite his family and community paying a ransom of ₦5 million to his captors.

Rev. Issa was kidnapped from Ekati village in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on August 28, 2025.

The bandits initially demanded ₦100 million for his release, but after negotiations, the family and community managed to raise only ₦5 million, which they delivered to the kidnappers.

Tragically, after collecting the ransom, the criminals reportedly demanded an additional ₦45 million. Before any further discussions could continue, they killed the pastor in captivity.

His death has sent shockwaves through Ekati and the entire Patigi Emirate, leaving the community in mourning and fear.

The brutal murder has been described as a disturbing escalation in the activities of criminal gangs in the region, highlighting the increasing ruthlessness of bandits operating across Kwara North.

Residents say the killing has deepened their sense of insecurity as kidnappings, extortion, and killings continue to rise in the area…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>