The leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, banditry, and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos, the General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, revealed that the Church has spent over N300 million in ransom payments, yet more than 50 members remain in captivity.
“ECWA expresses its profound grief and deep concern over the surge of violent incidents impacting its members and communities in Kaduna and Plateau states,” Asheshe stated. “These interconnected crises—marked by banditry, kidnappings, and brutal militia attacks—require immediate and decisive intervention from the government and all stakeholders.”
According to him, the Kwassam DCC in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has suffered particularly severe attacks in recent weeks, with over 20 lives lost and more than 100 people, including church members and community residents, abducted.
Asheshe lamented the heavy financial and emotional burden placed on the Church and the affected families, many of whom have also lost their sources of livelihood.
He further warned that the frequent targeting of farming communities threatens food security across the region, as widespread violence has severely disrupted agricultural activities.