Rising Insecurity, Inflation, ECWA calls on Government to address menace

Worried by the incessant Killings and the government inactions in addressing it and the untold economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians, the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA has called on the Federal Government to take further steps towards addressing the menace.

These were parts of concerns raised by the Church in a communique at the end of her 72nd General Church Council (GCC) meeting which started from the 28th April, to 2nd May, 2025, at the ECWA headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

The communique was signed by the President of the Church, Rev. Dr. Job Bagat and General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Ayuba Asheshe at the end of the GCC meeting on Friday.

The President, Rev. Dr. Bagat who read the communique on behalf of the Church, said the “Council notes with grave concern the persistent and escalating violence and killings across Nigeria, especially but not limited to Borno, Benue, Sokoto, Zamfara and Plateau States.

“The Council commends the government and security agencies for their efforts in curbing insecurity. However, the Council observes that despite all the efforts, the attacks and killings have continued unabated, hence the need for much to be done to put an end to the problem.

“The Council, therefore, calls on the government at all levels to always prioritise the security of all Nigerians, bring perpetrators to justice, and find lasting solutions to these attacks. The Council stands in solidarity with all victims of these violent attacks and prays for peace and justice to prevail in the land.”

The Church also expressed worry over the menace of Kidnap for Ransom, noting that the evil act of kidnapping for ransom has caused immense suffering, instilled fear, and imposed financial hardship on both the victims and their families.

“Council calls on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping, ensure the safe release of all those currently being held by the captors, and put an end to these acts of evil that have painted Nigeria in a bad light. The Council reiterates that it will not be weary in carrying out the holistic ministry by providing pastoral care, support and prayers for all those affected.”

Furthermore, the Council decried the untold economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians, particularly the unstable pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), rising cost of living, poor living standard, unemployment, high mortality rate and general economic instability, thereby causing significant distress to the citizens.

The Church called on the government to consider some of the harsh economic policies and ensure the implementation of people-friendly policies that would alleviate poverty, create better economic opportunities, and improve the overall living conditions of the common man. It further reaffirmed its commitment to playing its part by providing relief and support to the needy.

During the the 72nd GCC, the Church also approved the creation of two additional District Church Councils (DCCs) in line with her desire for growth and further expansion of the gospel. The two additional DCCs, are Chad and Togo, to bring the total number of ECWA DCCs to 96 and that the Church in Cameroon will be attending the General Church Council in an observer capacity.

The Church frowned at members who are in the habit of dragging the church to court without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms, but rather resort to taking the Church to courts of law on matters that would have been amicably resolved in-house.

“The Council urges members to always respect and abide by the provisions stipulated in ECWA statutory books for amicable dispute resolution. ECWA will intensify its efforts in peace building and conflict resolution at the grassroots level, working with other faith-based organizations and community leaders to promote understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation.

“The Council approved an ICT Policy for the Church which is to take effect immediately. Also, the Council approved the upgrading of the ECWA Hotels and Guest Houses, which was a Unit, to the status of a Department. Council has recognised the important place of Sports among young people and calls on all ECWA Churches to support the ECWA Sports Ministry and its activities.

“The Council approves the upgrade of the ECWA Leadership Institute to a training institution, thereby changing its nomenclature to ECWA Leadership Training Institute, which would be globally recognised.”