Bandits kill pastor after collecting ransom in Niger

Pastor Joshua Musa was slain by bandits in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State after they demanded a ransom to release him.

Before his passing, Musa, a native of Nasarawa State, served as a pastor of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in the Sarkin Pawa Community under the local government.

Several ECWA members confirmed the pastor's passing and expressed their condolences to the family on social media.

"This pastor and his wife were kidnapped at Shiroro DCC," a member named Sunny Danbaba wrote. As they were leaving the jungle after receiving payment to be freed, they killed him.
After obtaining the ransom, the robbers were reported to have freed Musa and the other victims; but, while they were heading out of the forest, they killed the Pastor by dragging him back.
Nonetheless, Musa's wife and the other victims were spared and permitted to go back to their houses.

Seven days ago, the Pastor, his wife, and several people were abducted. Even after the ransom was paid, the bandits made the decision to kill him.
When reached on Monday, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, stated he would investigate and get back to this correspondent.

“I will find out,” he said.