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 was kidnapped on August 28 from Ekati village, with his abductors initially demanding the equivalent of $67,000.

After weeks of negotiations, family members, church leaders, and villagers raised $3,300 to secure his release.

The money was delivered to the kidnappers, but instead of freeing the pastor, the armed group demanded an additional $30,000.

Before further talks could take place, Rev. Issa was killed.

His death has left Ekati village and the surrounding Patigi Emirate in shock, as residents had depleted their scarce resources in hopes of saving his life. Villagers told local media outlet Nupeko TV that the murder was a devastating loss for both the church and the community.

The killing comes amid a surge in kidnappings across Kwara North. Security analysts say rural communities in the region are increasingly being targeted by armed groups who demand ransom payments from already impoverished families. In many cases, payments are made without any guarantee of safety, leaving victims vulnerable to further violence.

No arrests have been announced in connection with Rev. Issa’s killing.

Community members continue to call for greater security and stronger action from authorities to protect lives and livelihoods in the area.