ECWA says it paid N300m ransom in Kaduna, Plateau
Chairman of Agatu Local Council of Benue State,
James Ejeh, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to vacate all farmlands in the area.
This was as The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) raised the alarm over the escalating violence, banditry and kidnappings in Kaduna and Plateau states, calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
It reportedly paid over N300 million as ransom in the two states.
Ejeh issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, youth representatives and security officials to address growing concerns over herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season approaches.
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Obochi Solomon, quoted his principal as emphasising the need to protect farming activities in Agatu ahead of the planting season.
He noted agriculture as the backbone of the local economy and that farmers must be able to access their lands without fear or obstruction.
Ejeh, through the statement, commended the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area but stressed that ensuring uninterrupted farming activities was a top priority.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further revealed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week grace period to enable the herders to prepare for relocation, a request that was granted by the council.
The CPS added that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu, Oloche Silas, pledged on behalf of Agatu youths to support the peaceful evacuation process and to refrain from any form of violence.
State security officials were quoted as commending the peaceful manner in which the matter was handled, pledging to provide necessary support during the relocation.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chief John Agidani, who represented the Och’Agatu, applauded the Council Chairman’s leadership and urged all parties to honour the agreement.
DURING a press conference held at the ECWA headquarters in Jos, the General Secretary, Rev Ayuba Asheshe, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, revealing that the Church, after spending over N300 million in ransom payments, more than 50 members remain in captivity.
“In Kaduna State, the Kwa sam DCC in Kauru Local Council has faced relentless attacks, leading to the loss of over 20 lives and the abduction of more than 100 individuals, including church members,” Asheshe said. “Despite enormous financial efforts, the crisis persists, crippling farming activities and threatening food security.”
Asheshe further lamented the violence in Plateau, citing recent attacks in Hurti Village, Bokkos Local Council, where over 40 people, including two pastors, were killed, and 240 houses were razed.
Similary, in Zike and Kimakpa communities of Bassa LGA, more than 50 people were murdered in a separate attack on April 14.
The cleric described the attacks as part of a systematic campaign against predominantly Christian communities, emphasising the urgent need for a coordinated response to restore peace and security in affected areas.
He called on all levels of government and stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to end the cycle of violence and protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria. (Guardian)
