In a bizarre twist of events, Pastor Samson Ali of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), abducted earlier this week in Kaduna State, has been released by his captors—while the man who delivered his ransom, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, remains in their custody.

Ali, 30, was abducted from his residence in Mararaba Aboro, Sanga Local Government Area, on April 8, just two weeks after he assumed pastoral duties in the local church. Initially, his kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million, which was later negotiated to an undisclosed amount.

Sources close to the incident revealed that a joint security task force comprising operatives from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services had been mobilised for a potential rescue operation. However, the release was eventually secured through negotiation.

“The kidnappers released Pastor Ali, but detained the ransom bearer, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, demanding more money or other concessions for his release,” said a source familiar with the situation.

Ambi had reportedly volunteered to deliver the agreed ransom to the kidnappers, but was taken hostage instead, with the kidnappers now shifting their demands in exchange for his freedom.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern, particularly over the growing trend of kidnappers reneging on negotiated agreements and exploiting ransom transactions for further leverage.

Online reactions have been swift, with many Nigerians calling for urgent government intervention to curb the escalating cases of kidnapping and banditry in the region.

“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria,” a concerned resident posted on social media. “It’s high time the government implemented decisive actions to dismantle these criminal networks.”

Efforts to obtain a statement from the Kaduna State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, went unanswered at the time of filing this report. However, multiple sources confirmed that security agencies are continuing investigations in an effort to secure Ambi’s release and apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the ECWA community has expressed mixed feelings—relief at the release of Pastor Ali, and growing anxiety over Ambi’s fate.

“We are thankful to God for the safe return of our pastor,” said a church official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But we remain deeply troubled by the ongoing captivity of our brother, Yusuf Ambi. We urge the authorities to do everything possible to bring him back safely.”

As Kaduna continues to grapple with rising insecurity, this latest incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and stronger deterrents against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.