Tragedy has struck in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, as Reverend James Audu Issa, a pastor with the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), was killed by bandits despite his family paying ransom for his release.

According to reports, Reverend Issa was abducted on August 28, 2025, from Ekati village, and his kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million ransom. After negotiations, his family managed to raise ₦5 million, which was paid to secure his freedom. Sadly, the bandits still killed him after collecting the money.

The shocking development has left the community in mourning, with residents describing the incident as “heartbreaking and senseless.”

In a separate attack, suspected kidnappers invaded Rani village on Sunday evening, October 6, while residents were about to observe Maghrib prayers, killing two people and abducting two others, including the village head.

An eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the community, shooting sporadically to create panic before taking away their victims.

“They killed two people before abducting the village head and another person. The entire village is in fear as the kidnappers haven’t reached out to the families,” the source said.

A senior police officer at the Patigi Divisional Police Office confirmed the incident, adding that the state police command has been alerted and rescue operations are underway.

“We’ve informed the Kwara State Police Command for further action and to ensure the safe rescue of the victims,” the officer stated.

The twin tragedies have deepened concerns over the growing insecurity in rural communities across Kwara State.