A clergyman of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Reverend Anthony Lamba, who was abducted by suspected bandits in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been confirmed dead in captivity after spending nearly three months in the hands of his abductors.
Reverend Lamba was kidnapped alongside his wife on July 24, 2025, at their residence in Kallah community, one of the villages in Southern Kaduna repeatedly targeted by criminal gangs. His wife was released earlier after the family reportedly paid ₦5 million ransom, but the bandits refused to release the pastor, demanding a brand new motorcycle as additional payment before his freedom.
Family members told journalists on Tuesday that the abductors contacted them and informed them that the clergyman “did not survive an illness” while in captivity. According to them, the kidnappers claimed he became seriously ill due to harsh forest conditions and lack of medical care.
“We were preparing to send the motorcycle they demanded when they called to say he had died. We begged them to at least return his body, but they refused,” a grieving relative told reporters.
The ECWA headquarters in Kaduna confirmed the death of the pastor in a brief statement. Church officials described Reverend Lamba as a devoted minister who served faithfully despite insecurity and hardship in his community.
“This is a painful moment for the ECWA family. Reverend Anthony Lamba was a peaceful man who gave his life to the service of God and humanity. His death is another sad reminder of the insecurity our people face daily,” a senior church elder said.
A memorial service has been scheduled in his honour on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at ECWA Kallah in Kajuru.
The killing highlights the continued deterioration of security in parts of Kaduna State, where kidnapping for ransom and violent attacks on rural communities have persisted despite government deployments of security forces.
Southern Kaduna, in particular, has witnessed multiple kidnappings, mass displacements, and killings in recent years. Residents say they live in fear, and church leaders have repeatedly appealed for government intervention.
A resident of Kallah community said:
“We are not safe. If pastors, teachers, farmers and children are not safe, who is? Government must wake up. Bandits now operate freely in our villages.”
This is the second death of an ECWA pastor in captivity in less than a month. In September, Reverend James Audu Issa of ECWA in Kwara State was killed by kidnappers even after his church paid ransom for his release.
Observers say clergy members have increasingly become targets of criminal gangs who believe churches can raise ransom money quickly.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies and the Kaduna State Government have not issued any official statement on the death of Reverend Lamba. Human rights activists have condemned the silence of authorities and called for urgent military action in Kajuru and neighbouring local government areas.
Calls for Justice
Civil society organizations are demanding:
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Immediate investigation into the killing
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Recovery of the pastor’s remains
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Deployment of special security forces to Southern Kaduna
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Prosecution of identified kidnapping syndicates
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Protection of rural communities and clergy members
The death of Reverend Anthony Lamba has plunged the ECWA church and the Kallah community into mourning. His family says they will continue to seek justice and call on the government to recover his body so he can be buried with dignity.
May his soul rest in peace.
— Dalena Reporters, Nigeria