The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has announced the death of Rev. Anthony Lamba, a pastor abducted by bandits in Southern Kaduna on July 24, 2025. In a statement by Rev. Alari Alari, Chairman of ECWA Kasuwan Magani District Church Council (DCC), the church expressed profound grief, noting that Lamba passed away in captivity after falling seriously ill.
Rev. Lamba was kidnapped alongside his wife, Christiana Anthony, and Danlami Zana while working on their farm. His wife was released after the family paid a ₦5 million ransom and the bandits demanded a motorcycle. Tragically, before the motorcycle could be delivered, Lamba’s health deteriorated, leading to his death in the bandits’ camp. A memorial service is scheduled for October 19, 2025, in his hometown, Kallah.
The church called for prayers for Lamba’s family and the broader Christian community, stating, “Let us continue to pray for the Church of God and the family he left behind.”
This incident echoes a similar tragedy reported by SaharaReporters on October 2, 2025, involving Rev. James Audu Issa, an ECWA pastor from Kwara State. Abducted on August 28, 2025, from Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area, Issa was killed by his captors despite his community paying a ₦5 million ransom. The bandits had initially demanded ₦100 million, later reduced, but then demanded an additional ₦45 million before murdering the cleric.
These incidents highlight the escalating violence and extortion faced by communities in Nigeria, with bandits targeting vulnerable individuals, including religious leaders, for ransom.
