Pastor in Nigeria Killed After Kidnapping Despite Ransom Payment
Pastor in Nigeria Killed After Kidnapping Despite Ransom Payment
A pastor in Nigeria who had been kidnapped in August has been killed even after his community paid ransom in the hope of securing his release. The incident has deepened fears about rising violence and insecurity affecting communities across the country.
Rev James Audu Issa a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All ECWA was abducted on August 28 from Ekati village in Kwara State in north central Nigeria. According to International Christian Concern armed men stormed the area and took him away demanding the equivalent of sixty-seven thousand dollars for his freedom.
For days the community worked desperately to raise the ransom. Church members friends and local residents contributed what they could believing that the payment would lead to Rev Issa’s safe return. After the ransom was delivered hope began to rise among those who had been praying and waiting.
Tragically their efforts did not result in his rescue. Despite receiving the ransom, the captors killed Rev Issa leaving the community grieving and shocked. His death has shaken many who had been clinging to hope and has intensified calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in the region.
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The killing of Rev Issa reflects a wider pattern of insecurity affecting both rural and urban communities in Nigeria. In several regions kidnappings have become a recurring threat with religious leader’s farmers students and travelers among the targets. Many communities feel vulnerable as armed groups continue to operate with little resistance.
Christian organizations and human rights advocates have called upon government authorities to strengthen security measures protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible to justice. They also stress the need for long term solutions that address the root causes of rising violence including poverty unemployment and weak law enforcement.
Rev James Audu Issa is remembered as a devoted pastor who served faithfully and provided spiritual and emotional support to those in his community. His loss has left a painful gap in the lives of his congregation and loved ones. As his community mourns, they also continue to demand justice and lasting peace in the region.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Intagram.com
