Bandits have reportedly killed a pastor, Rev. James Audu Issa of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, abducted since August this year.
The pastor was killed despite payment of N5 million ransom by his family and the community to the bandits.
He was allegedly abducted from Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on August 28, 2025.
The bandits had initially demanded N100 million ransom but the family and the community were only able to raise N5 million and delivered the sum to his captors to secure his release.
However, reports said the criminals allegedly turned around to demand an additional N45 million.
Before further negotiations could continue, the pastor was killed in captivity, sending shockwaves through Ekati community and the entire Patigi Emirate.
The brutal murder of the cleric after ransom payment has been described as a disturbing escalation in the operations of criminal gangs, underscoring the ruthless tactics increasingly deployed by bandits across Kwara North.
The killing has deepened fears and despair in the region, where residents continue to grapple with recurring kidnappings, extortion and killings.
