Tag: ECWA

In a strong show of interfaith solidarity, Muslim religious and traditional leaders on Sunday joined Christian worshippers at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Lemu Road, in Kaduna South Local Government Area, for a special service promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The gathering, held as part of the church’s annual Friends Day celebration, brought together leaders from both faiths in an atmosphere of mutual respect and reflection.

Addressing the congregation, Senior Pastor of ECWA Gospel Church, Rev. Joshua Nda Anyam, urged Nigerians to rise above religious differences and embrace a shared commitment to peace.

“There will always be differences between us,” he said, “but they should not become barriers to peace. We must keep the doors of engagement open, build bridges of trust, and show empathy and respect for one another.”

He quoted Matthew 7:12—“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you”—and urged all people of faith to let this principle guide their conduct and relationships.

Rev. Anyam warned against the manipulation of religion for selfish interests, noting that such actions often inflame tensions and endanger communal harmony. He also condemned the desecration of religious scriptures, stressing that both the Bible and the Qur’an are sacred and must be respected.

“The desecration of any holy book is unacceptable,” he declared. “Religious leaders must collectively condemn such acts and impress on government the need to uphold law, protect lives and property, and deliver justice without fear or favour.”

He called on all Nigerians to denounce violence and killings regardless of who is affected, while offering prayers for safe journeys and lasting peace, ending the service with a solemn “Shalom.”

Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Residents Communities, Mr. Ayokunle Adebayo, described the event as “more than a religious gathering—it is a symbol of hope for Kaduna and for Nigeria.”

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He praised the ECWA Church for opening its doors to its Muslim neighbours, calling it “a bold and beautiful gesture of peacebuilding that sends a powerful message—that faith should unite us, not divide us.”

The governor’s representative also commended the Panteka Muslim community for years of peaceful coexistence with the church.

“You all reflect the true Kaduna spirit—resilient, diverse, and peaceful,” he said. “Since taking office, our administration has pursued inclusive governance. We don’t see religion or tribe—we see people.”

Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Magaji Danjuma, also hailed the church for sustaining the interfaith initiative and encouraged continued collaboration between religious communities.

Former Senior Pastor of the church and current Secretary General of the Evangelical Church Winning All, Rev. (Dr) Yunusa Nmadu, who introduced Friends Day over a decade ago, said true rest and peace can only come from God. He urged all present to continually seek God and promote love across divides.

Other goodwill messages came from key Muslim community leaders, including the Hakimi of Tudun Wada, represented by Adamu Muhammad; the Chief Imam of Tudun Wada; and the Chairman of Panteka, represented by Adamu Nasiru. They all reaffirmed their commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The symbolic gathering of Muslims and Christians in a shared space of worship once again highlighted the critical role faith communities play in bridging societal divides and fostering peace in Kaduna State and beyond.

The President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, has called on the federal government to prioritise the security of all Nigerians, bring perpetrators to justice, and find lasting solutions to gunmen attacks.

Rev. Dr. Bagat made the call alongside the Secretary General of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Ayuba Asheshe, in a communique issued at the end of the 72nd annual church council meeting GCC held at ECWA headquarters, Jos, yesterday.

The communique reads in part, “The Council notes with grave concern the persistent and escalating violence and killings across Nigeria, especially but not limited to Borno, Benue, Sokoto, Zamfara and Plateau states. The Council commends the government and security agencies for their efforts in curbing insecurity.

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“However, the Council observes that despite all the efforts, the attacks and killings have continued unabated, hence the need for much to be done to put an end to the problem. The Council, therefore, calls on the government at all levels to always prioritise the security of all Nigerians, bring perpetrators to justice, and find lasting solutions to these attacks. The Council stands in solidarity with all victims of these violent attacks and prays for peace and justice to prevail in the land.

“Menace of Kidnap for Ransom, the Council observes with deep pain the increasing cases of kidnapping for ransom across the nation. This evil act of kidnapping for ransom has caused immense suffering, instilled fear, and imposed financial hardship on both the victims and their families.

Council calls on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping, ensure the safe release of all those currently being held by the captors…

Additionally, “The Council decries the untold economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians, particularly the unstable pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), rising cost of living, poor living standard, unemployment, high mortality rate and general economic instability, thereby causing significant distress to the citizens.”

It expressed its appreciation to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for coming to identify with the GCC despite the tight schedules of office.

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) said it has spent over N300 million paying kidnappers to release church members with negotiations ongoing for about 50 other victims’ release. 

The church confirmed that kidnappers have focused on its members in Kaduna and Plateau States, expressing grief and deep concerns over a surge of violent incidents against the church.

Addressing reporters in his office in Jos, ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe noted that the interconnected crises marked by banditry, kidnapping, and brutal militia attacks demanded immediate and decisive intervention from government and all stakeholders.

Asheshe said Kwassam DCC in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State has been ravaged by relentless banditry and kidnappings leading to the loss of over 20 lives. 

He said the church has already expended over N300 million in ransom payments yet over 50 individuals remain in captivity, placing an unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their livelihood.

“Simultaneously, the Binawa LCC of ECWA Saminaka DCC in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has also suffered recent attacks.

“On the night of Tuesday, February 4, 2025, three communities – Majagada 2, Majagada 1, and Tsohon Garin Binawa – were targeted, resulting in the kidnapping of 16 individuals, the killing of 6, and injuries to 4 others.

“These tragic events have plunged the affected communities into deep mourning and fear, highlighting the continued vulnerability of ECWA members. 

“These incidents in Kwassam and Binawa are but two examples of the numerous kidnapping crises affecting the wider ECWA family across Nigeria.

“Adding to this immense pain, a separate tragedy occurred in Biliri, Gombe State, during an Easter Monday celebration. A trailer truck lost control and tragically struck a procession of Christians, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuries to many others.

“Furthermore, ECWA is witnessing an alarming escalation of violence in Plateau State, orchestrated by Fulani militia and their sponsors against defenseless communities.

“On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, Hurti Village in the Manguna District of Bokkos LGA was subjected to an unprovoked and brutal attack. Forty people, including two ECWA pastors, were murdered, 240 houses were burned down, and massive quantities of food grains and valuable materials were looted or destroyed. 

“A distressing number of villagers remain missing.

“Similarly, on Monday, April 14, 2025, between 12:10 am and 1:30 am, the Zike and Kimakpa Communities in the Kwall District of Bassa LGA were besieged. Fifty individuals, including children, women, and men, were killed, and 10 others were injured. 

“Homes, household items, and farmlands suffered extensive destruction, leaving families in utter despair. These attacks are viewed as part of a systematic campaign of terror against predominantly Christian communities who have long been marginalized and left vulnerable”.

The General Secretary said ECWA was deeply pained by the escalating violence and the immense suffering inflicted upon its members and communities. 

“The long-term consequences of this insecurity, particularly concerning food security and the overall well-being of communities, are of grave concern.

“ECWA implores the government at all levels, as well as all stakeholders, to urgently address these interconnected menaces. 

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“We call for a concerted effort to develop and implement effective strategies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and militia attacks, and to restore peace and security to our rural areas”, 

Asheshe said it was imperative to work collectively toward creating safe havens for the present and future generations and  specifically call upon the Federal Government and Security Agencies to act swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

He further called on the Plateau State Government to provide immediate relief and resettlement support to the displaced, as well as called on the international community, human rights organizations, and global church bodies to raise their voices and stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Plateau State and Nigeria.

The ECWA General Secretary urged every community to, as much as possible, prepare itself by being vigilant. 

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has issued a statement distancing itself from the demonstrations planned for August 1st to August 10th, 2024.

In a statement signed by Rev. Ibrahim Kassim, ECWA’s public relations officer, the church expressed concerns about potential violence and disruptions associated with the protests and instructed its members not to participate in any capacity.

While acknowledging the global role of protests in expressing dissent and advocating for change, the church highlighted the risks involved, citing past incidents like the “END SARS PROTEST,” where demonstrations descended into violence and chaos due to the presence of hoodlums and miscreants.

The church’s leadership assured its congregation that efforts are being made to engage with local, state, and federal authorities to address the challenges facing Nigerian citizens.

The statement reads: “The Church has received reports on a planned Protest being organized by some citizens of Nigeria billed for Monday 29th July and Thursday 1st to Saturday 10th August, 2024.

“ECWA is aware that Protest is considered, worldwide, as one of the ways of expressing displeasure or objection to certain issues, policies or actions. It is also a medium through which people voice their concerns, create awareness or push for change. The Church is also aware of the severe economic hardship and the bedevilling insecurity that the citizens are experiencing, which are the cardinal issues being promulgated as the reasons for the protest.

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“However, we are all aware that protest can take different dimensions as witnessed during the “END SARS PROTEST” when hoodlums infiltrated the protesters and wreaked serious havoc that led to the loss of many lives and properties. Therefore, considering the volatile nature of protests in Nigeria, which can be hijacked by miscreants and result in humongous damages, ECWA as a denomination wishes to inform the general public that we are not part of the planned protest, and we are calling on our members to disregard the action in totality, and not to participate in any way.

“The Church wishes to assure members that ECWA leadership is doing everything possible in advising government at the Local, State and Federal levels to take proactive measures in addressing the plight and suffering of citizens in the shortest possible time.”