The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) says 208 members of the church were abducted by gunmen between 2023 and 2024.

The general secretary of ECWA, Ayuba Asheshe, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Mr Asheshe also said that many ECWA local churches were destroyed across the nation within the period under review.

“Two hundred and eight ECWA members were abducted between 2023 and 2024,” said Mr Asheshe. “Many of our local churches were razed down; our members can’t go there to worship for fear of being attacked.”

“Their farms and means of livelihood have been destroyed and, by extension, affect the economy of the nation,” he added.

He, however, commended the efforts of the federal government and the security agencies towards tackling insecurity in the country.

The general secretary particularly commended the security agencies over the recent operations against bandits and terrorists across the country.

Mr Asheshe, who also lauded the security agencies for enhanced intelligence gathering, said the improved presence of security personnel in some flashpoints would ensure the safety of lives and property.

He further commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating political will to end the cycle of violence across the country.

“These measures, though still at the early stages, reflect a commendable shift towards protecting the sanctity of human life, upholding justice, and restoring confidence in the government to defend its citizens,” he said.

The general secretary advised Nigerians to support the government and security agencies in building a more secure and tranquil nation.

(NAN)