Retired ECWA Cleric Abducted  as Church Mourns 3 Members Killed in Road Crash in Jos

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

A retired cleric of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Prof. Sunday B. Agang has been abducted by gunmen in the Farin Gada area of Jos, Plateau State, heightening concerns over rising insecurity targeting Christian communities.

The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday when armed men, said to be about four in number, invaded his residence in Jos North Local Government Area and whisked him away at gunpoint.

A family source disclosed that the assailants stormed the home around 5 a.m., forcing their way in while the household was still asleep. The intruders reportedly held the family hostage before taking the cleric to an unknown destination.

“Before the family could raise the alarm, the kidnappers had disappeared with their victim in a car brought by the undesirable elements,” the source said.

Another source within the ECWA headquarters in Jos confirmed that the church leadership has notified security agencies and is working closely with them to track the abductors. As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not contacted the family or the church regarding ransom demands.

The abduction came just eight days after ECWA members were kidnapped in Kwara State, deepening anxiety within the denomination.

Meanwhile, ECWA is also mourning the loss of three members who died in a tragic motor accident involving a team returning from an EMS Saturation Outreach mission.

In a statement signed by the ECWA Public Relations Officer, Danjuma Dickson Auta, the church revealed that a bus conveying 14 participants from Zonzon DCC in Kaduna State was involved in a crash near the Lariski area of Bauchi State while returning from Taraba State.

According to the statement, the injured were rushed to a hospital in Gombe, where three were confirmed dead. Six others are receiving medical treatment, while five have been discharged in stable condition.

The deceased were identified as Mama Deborah Bonat, a former ECWA Women Fellowship International leader; Rev. Habila Tagwai Kajan, former Zonzon DCC Secretary; and Mama Lydia John.

The church leadership said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the remains of the deceased are returned to their families for burial.

ECWA extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on members to remain prayerful, calm, and steadfast in faith during the difficult period.