The news out of Kwara State is a punch to the gut, a chilling narrative of escalating brutality that leaves communities shattered and faith in security eroded. At the heart of this unfolding tragedy is the unforgivable murder of Reverend James Audu Issa, a beloved pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), despite his distressed family and community paying millions in ransom.
Reverend Issa was abducted from Ekati village in the Patigi Local Government Area around August 28, 2025. For weeks, his family, church, and the broader community moved heaven and earth, scraping together every kobo in a desperate bid to secure his freedom.
A Ransom Paid, A Life Lost
Initially, the terrorists demanded an astronomical N100 million. Through tense, agonizing negotiations, the sum was reportedly brought down to N5 million. An impoverished community, driven by love and hope, managed to raise and pay this amount, believing it would bring their spiritual leader home.
But the bandits displayed a level of depravity that defies comprehension. After collecting the N5 million, they didn’t release Reverend Issa. Instead, they reportedly demanded an additional N45 million. Tragically, before any further negotiations could take place, they brutally killed the cleric.
As Nupeko TV aptly described, this is a “ransom-for-murder” scenario – a horrific act where victims are murdered even after their families have bankrupted themselves in futile attempts to save them. The death of Reverend Issa, especially after the immense sacrifice made by his community, is a profound blow, deepening the sense of despair and insecurity plaguing the entire Patigi Emirate.
A Wider Web of Terror
Reverend Issa’s murder is not an isolated incident; it’s a stark indicator of a spiraling crisis. Kwara North is under siege, and the audacity of these criminal gangs is growing daily:
- Abduction of a Police Officer: Just days before, a police officer identified as Ezra was abducted in the Patigi Local Government Area. He was ambushed and whisked away while returning from duty, highlighting the terrorists’ contempt for law enforcement and the state’s authority.
- Targeting Farmers and Food Security: Earlier on Thursday, two brothers, including Mohammed Mohammed, a prominent community figure and former President of the National Association of Nupe Students (NANUS), were abducted from their cassava farm in the Edu Local Government Area. This attack, which forced villagers to flee amidst sporadic gunfire, underscores the severe threat to agricultural activities and the very livelihoods of the people in Kwara North. Many farmers already operate under a cloud of fear, constantly facing the risk of kidnapping.
A Desperate Cry for Help
The repeated abductions, the brutal murder of a respected community leader after ransom, and the brazen targeting of both security personnel and ordinary citizens paint a grim picture. Residents are accusing authorities of failing to address this rising wave of attacks, warning that the entire region’s socio-economic fabric is crumbling.
As communities mourn, fear grips those who remain. The lack of official statements or visible, decisive actions from security authorities only compounds the despair. This is a desperate cry for help from Kwara North. The time for platitudes is over; what is urgently needed are actionable strategies, enhanced security presence, intelligence-driven operations, and a clear commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.
The soul of Kwara State is under siege. We cannot afford to let these communities be ravaged further. The memory of Reverend James Audu Issa, and the countless others suffering in silence, demands immediate and resolute action.
