The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has disclosed that it has spent more than N300 million to secure the release of kidnapped members, with negotiations ongoing for the release of around 50 others, according to a report by The Nation.

The church revealed that its members in Kaduna and Plateau States have become prime targets for kidnappers. In a press briefing held in Jos, ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, expressed deep concern over the growing wave of violence affecting the church community.

Asheshe highlighted the alarming rise in banditry, kidnappings, and militia attacks, calling for urgent and coordinated action from the government and relevant stakeholders to address the crisis.

He pointed to the Kwassam DCC in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State as one of the hardest-hit areas, where persistent attacks have claimed more than 20 lives. Despite paying over N300 million in ransoms, he said, more than 50 people are still being held captive — a situation that has placed a heavy financial and emotional burden on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their means of livelihood.

He also noted that the Binawa LCC of ECWA Saminaka DCC in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has experienced similar attacks in recent weeks.

Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be transparent with Nigerians regarding the zoning of its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the party’s internal crisis and past decisions, Wike criticized the PDP for allegedly abandoning its established tradition of power rotation between the North and South. He recalled that in 2023, despite the understanding that once a particular region produces the party chairman, the other should produce the presidential candidate, some leaders chose to manipulate the process for selfish reasons.

“They refused to zone the presidency and allowed aspirants from the same region to emerge as both party chairman and presidential candidate,” he said. “We warned them then that ignoring zoning would have consequences, but they dismissed it with arrogance.”

Wike further questioned the party’s current stance as it heads into its national convention. He alleged that there are attempts to zone the party chairmanship to the South again, which, he believes, would be a strategic move to deny the South the presidential ticket in 2027.

“Why not come out now and declare that the South will produce the 2027 presidential candidate, especially since the South currently holds the national presidency?” he queried. “This continued game of political trickery will only lead to another disaster for the party.”

He urged PDP leaders to abandon what he described as political “smartness” and embrace openness and fairness. “Let Nigerians know where the party stands now. Don’t wait until it backfires again and start pointing fingers. I’m saying it clearly — I won’t support this kind of manipulation,” Wike warned.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed confidence that Plateau State will overcome its current challenges and reclaim its former glory.

Pastor Adeboye made this prophetic proclamation during the 2025 interdenominational service held at the RCCG Northern Camp Ground in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The service marked the conclusion of the RCCG Northern Region Ministers and Workers Conference.

Addressing the congregation under the theme “Divine Manifestation,” Pastor Adeboye encouraged the people of Plateau not to lose hope in the face of insecurity and unrest. He assured both the government and residents that light will always triumph over darkness.

Quoting scriptures including Psalm 103:1-5 and Isaiah 9:6, he urged the people to remain steadfast in their faith and persistent in prayer. He reminded them that God, as the Prince of Peace, will reveal Himself in due time and that their season of sorrow will come to an end.

Pastor Adeboye emphasized the power of divine intervention and encouraged all to continue seeking God, especially in trying times.