Bandits kill Pastor after collecting ransom, abduct village head in Kwara

Bandits have killed a pastor and abducted two others, including a village head, in separate attacks in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The cleric, identified as Rev. James Audu Issa of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ekati village, was reportedly murdered by his abductors after his family had paid a ₦5 million ransom.

Issa was kidnapped on August 28, and the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million before agreeing to ₦5 million after negotiation. However, community sources told newsmen that the bandits later demanded an additional ₦45 million and killed him before talks could resume.

“The killing of the pastor after ransom payment shows how emboldened these criminals have become,” a community leader said, describing the situation as “a disturbing escalation of insecurity” in Kwara North.

In a separate incident on Sunday evening, the assailants stormed Rani village, also in Patigi LGA, shooting sporadically as residents were preparing for Maghrib prayers. They reportedly killed one person and abducted two others, including the village head.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack has thrown the community into panic. “We can no longer move freely or go to the farm. We’re appealing to the government to deploy more troops to restore peace,” he said.

Confirming the development, a senior officer at the Patigi Divisional Police Station said the incident had been reported to the Kwara State Police Command for further action and rescue operations.