The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has confirmed the tragic death of one of its pastors, Rev. Anthony Lamba, who died in the custody of bandits after months of captivity in Southern Kaduna.
In a statement signed by Rev. Alari Alari, Chairman of the ECWA Kasuwan Magani District Church Council (DCC), the church expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a painful loss to the Christian community.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rev. Anthony Lamba, who was kidnapped on July 24, 2025, along with his wife. While his wife was later released after paying a ransom of ₦5 million and after further demands for a motorcycle, Rev. Anthony remained in captivity. Sadly, while arrangements were being made to deliver the motorcycle, he fell seriously ill and passed away in the camp,” the statement read.
According to the church, a memorial service in his honour will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in his hometown in Kallah, Southern Kaduna.
“Let us continue to pray for the Church of God and the family he left behind,” the ECWA statement urged.
Rev. Lamba was reportedly abducted alongside his wife, Christiana Anthony, and one Danlami Zana while working on their farm on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The development adds to the growing list of clergy who have fallen victim to banditry and terrorism across Nigeria’s northern region.
In a similar incident earlier this month, Rev. James Audu Issa, another ECWA pastor from Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, was brutally murdered by his abductors despite the payment of a ₦5 million ransom.
Sources revealed that the gunmen initially demanded ₦100 million for his release before settling for ₦5 million, a sum raised by his impoverished community, only to later demand an additional ₦45 million. Before any further negotiations could take place, the cleric was killed in cold blood.
The killings have once again sparked outrage and renewed calls for the Nigerian government to take decisive action against the rising wave of kidnappings and killings of religious leaders in the country.
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