Key Points
- ECWA confirms the death of Rev Anthony Lamba. He died in captivity after falling ill there.
- Wife secured release after paying five million naira ransom. Captors later demanded a motorcycle as extra condition.
- Conflicting dates emerge between reports and church statement. Memorial service holds in Kallah on Sunday there.
The Evangelical Church Winning All has confirmed Rev Anthony Lamba’s death. He was kidnapped by bandits in Southern Kaduna in July. The church announced the news in a formal statement.
ECWA’s note lists 24 July as the abduction date. Earlier reports placed it on 25 July during farm work. See our Bilyaminu Bello pardon outrage for justice context.
What the church statement says
The church says his wife paid a ₦5 million ransom. Captors then asked the family to provide a motorcycle. He fell ill in camp before the handover could happen.
Timeline and service details
ECWA says he passed away in captivity after that illness. A memorial service is set for Kallah on Sunday. The church urges prayers for his family and congregation.
LIB earlier named Christiana Anthony and Danlami Zana among the abducted. The church statement mentions only his wife without naming her. Officials have not released more details on the second person.
Community leaders say farms are soft targets during the rainy months. Security briefings urge early alerts and better rural patrol cover. For wider justice debate, read our Lagos drug pardon debate.
ECWA is a large evangelical denomination with deep roots in Nigeria. Its congregations run schools, clinics and rural outreach projects. Leaders often serve remote towns where state presence is thin.
Clergy in conflict zones face unique risks during community visits. Travel to farms and fields increases exposure to roaming gangs. Local leaders keep urging escorts on high risk routes.
Ransom demands now vary from cash to transport assets like motorcycles. Families often negotiate while fearing harm to loved ones. Security agencies advise quick reporting to help guide responses.
This report follows the church account and earlier media notes. Dates differ by one day across the two sources. We will update if officials release a fuller timeline.
Kallah elders plan to host mourners after the church service. Neighbours recall his calm style and steady pastoral work. Friends say he often led youth farming visits.
Regional ECWA councils maintain welfare teams for bereaved families. They coordinate transport, food support, and basic counselling help. Donors can contact district offices for structured assistance.
State authorities have not issued a new statement on arrests. Police earlier confirmed routine patrols across high risk farm belts. Residents await visible results from those ongoing operations.
