Tragedy has struck the Christian community in Kwara State as Rev. James Audu Issa, pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ekati, Patigi Local Government Area, has been confirmed dead while in the hands of his abductors.
The cleric was kidnapped from his pastorium on Thursday, August 28, 2025. His abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million, which the family was able to negotiate down to ₦5 million. However, the bandits reportedly reneged on the agreement, insisting on an additional ₦45 million, reports Gwg.com.
Sadly, despite the family’s efforts, Rev. Issa never regained his freedom. His death was confirmed on Thursday, October 2, by a lecturer, Peter Kolo, who described it as a dark day for the church.
Sharing the news, Kolo wrote:
“What a sad day. It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of God that the Nupe Christian community of Patigi District Council of ECWA was woken up early this morning to the sad news of the glorious home call of Rev. James Audu Issa, an indigene of Ndanaku, who was kidnapped at his station, ECWA Church, Ekati, in Patigi LGA, Kwara State, about one month ago.
“The sad news of his demise, which occurred on a date we do not know, was in the hands of the Fulani bandits terrorising Edu and Patigi LGAs in Kwara North.”
The news has left members of the ECWA denomination in mourning, with many describing Rev. Issa as a dedicated pastor who gave his all to the service of God and humanity.
