In a dramatic and unsettling turn of events, kidnappers in Kaduna State have released Pastor Samson Ali of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) but detained the individual who delivered the ransom for his freedom. This bizarre development has further highlighted the worsening security crisis in the region, raising urgent calls for government intervention.
Pastor Ali, a 30-year-old clergyman, was abducted from his residence in Mararaba Aboro, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during a midnight raid on April 8, 2025. Armed men stormed his home at approximately 12:45 a.m., forcibly taking him to an undisclosed location. Following his abduction, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million but later agreed to accept an undisclosed sum after negotiations.
To secure Pastor Ali’s release, a trusted associate of the church, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, was sent to deliver the ransom. However, in an unexpected twist, the kidnappers released Pastor Ali but held Ambi hostage instead. Sources close to the situation revealed that the gunmen reneged on their agreement after receiving the ransom and are now making fresh demands for additional payment or concessions before releasing Ambi.
The incident has left both the ECWA community and residents of Kaduna State deeply shaken. While Pastor Ali’s release has brought relief to his family and congregation, concern remains high for Ambi’s safety. A church elder expressed mixed emotions over the ordeal: “We thank God that Pastor Ali has been released, but our hearts are heavy with worry over Yusuf Ambi. He is one of us, and we are trusting God to bring him back safely.”
Efforts made to obtain comments from the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan went unanswered. However, security sources disclosed that operatives from the Nigerian Army, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) are actively working to locate the kidnappers and secure Ambi’s release.
The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media platforms, with many condemning what they describe as a thriving criminal enterprise fueled by weak deterrence measures. “Kidnapping has become a business now. Criminals are emboldened because they know there’s little consequence for their actions,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Others have called for decisive action by authorities to end this reign of terror.
As security forces intensify their efforts to resolve this harrowing ordeal, the case underscores the urgent need for strategic measures to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity. For now, prayers and hopes remain with Ambi as his family and community await his safe return.
