A pastor in Nigeria who was kidnapped in August has been killed despite his captors receiving ransom payments from his community.
Rev James Audu Issa, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), was killed by armed groups in Kwara state in north-central Nigeria, according to International Christian Concern.
He had been kidnapped on 28th August from Ekati village, with his abductors initially demanding the Nigerian equivalent of $67,000.
This followed weeks of negotiation, with family members, church leaders, and villagers contributing funds of $3,300 to secure his release.
The money was delivered to the kidnappers, but instead of releasing the pastor, the armed group demanded an additional $30,000.
Before any further talks could take place, Rev Issa was killed.
Rev Issa’s death is said to have left the Ekati village and surrounding Patigi Emirate in shock, as residents had depleted scarce resources in the hope of saving his life. Villagers told local media outlet Nupeko TV that it was a devastating loss for the church and community.
The killing comes amid a surge in kidnappings across Kwara North, with security analysts noting that rural communities in the region have increasingly been targeted by armed groups, who demand ransoms from impoverished families. In many cases, payments are made without guarantees of safety, leaving victims vulnerable to further violence.
At the time of reporting, no arrests have been announced in connection with the killing of Rev Issa.
Community members continue to call for greater security presence and action from authorities to protect lives and livelihoods in the area.