Kidnapped ECWA pastor killed after bandits collected ransom

Dauda Bature, the pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nariya, Igabi LGA of Kaduna state, kidnapped November 8 has ben killed after the kidnappers collected a ransom.

The bandits initially demanded for N5m ransom from his family, but settled for an undisclosed sum after negotiations. 

Bature’s wife who delivered an undisclosed amount of money to the bandits was reportedly abducted and released on December 6 by the bandits who asked her to go raise more money to secure the freedom of her husband.

His death has now been confirmed by Joseph Hayab, the chairman of Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). 

“It was yesterday (Friday) that the information came when our pastors were at a conference, and the leaders of the church went to officially tell the wife that her husband is no more so that they don’t continue negotiations with the bandits,” Hayab said.

“What this means is that the bandits have become so cruel and brutal to their victims. They no longer have mercy.

“It shows our government needs to triple what it’s doing. These people cannot be defeated through rhetoric but by a superior fire. Despite the measures taking, they continue their wickedness.”