Terrorists in Kwara State killed Reverend James Audu Issa after collecting ₦5 million ransom from his family and community, in what has been described as a “ransom-for-murder” case.
Terrorists in Kwara State have killed Reverend James Audu Issa, a pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), despite collecting millions of naira in ransom from his family.
The cleric was abducted on August 28, 2025, from Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area. For weeks, his family, congregation, and community raised money in hopes of securing his release.
Sources told Nupeko TV that the gunmen initially demanded ₦100 million, later reducing it to ₦5 million after negotiations. The impoverished community managed to raise and pay the sum.
However, after receiving the ₦5 million, the bandits shocked the community by demanding an additional ₦45 million.
Nupeko TV reported: “The distraught family and community were reportedly able to negotiate the ransom down to ₦5 million, which they paid in an effort to secure the pastor’s freedom. After collecting the ₦5 million, the bandits reportedly exhibited extreme cruelty by demanding an additional ₦45 million. Tragically, before any further negotiation could take place, Rev. James Audu Issa was killed by the criminal gang.”
The killing, described as a “ransom-for-murder” case, has devastated the Ekati community and deepened insecurity across the Patigi Emirate.