The remains of Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife and two children, hacked to death by suspected Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), were on Thursday laid to rest at Kwi in Riyom local government area of Plateau state in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, amidst tears from his Church congregation, relatives and well-wishers.
Recalled that Rev. Choji, his wife, and two children were killed in the early hours of Monday, 27 April 2026, in Gako village, located in the Rim community of Riyom LGA, by suspected Fulani Islamists who surrounded his house and successfully executed their mission unabated, plunging the village into total confusion.
The late Reverend was an ECWA Pastor serving with ECWA Bukuru District Church Council (DCC) and was stationed at Gako village in Riyom LGA, Bukuru DCC, where he pastored the Church until his extermination alongside his wife and two children.
ECWA Bukuru District Church Council (DCC), where Rev. Choji pastored
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) had earlier expressed great concern over the rising insecurity across Nigeria that has continued to claimed the lives of innocent citizens and call for more actionable measures beyond words towards containing the ugly situation.
The ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat Malam at the conclusion of the 73 General Church Council (GCC) meeting held at the ECWA Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria said the killing trend has underscore the apparent inadequacy of effective government protection against innocent lives.
According to Malam, “The Council expresses profound grief and strong concern over the continued loss of lives and destruction of property among its members as a result of persistent insecurity across the nation.
ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat Malam.
“These tragic and unacceptable developments highlight the escalating security challenges confronting citizens’ safety and well-being, particularly in vulnerable communities, and underscore the apparent inadequacy of effective government protection.
“The Council is especially alarmed by the recent killings and kidnappings of citizens of this nation, a situation that is reported across all six geopolitical zones of the country. While acknowledging previous statements of concern, the Council emphasizes the urgent need to move beyond lamentation toward decisive, coordinated, and measurable action.
“It therefore calls on all levels of government to intensify efforts to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property through sustained, intentional, and effective security interventions.
“The Council also urges all brethren to strengthen community-based vigilance, cooperation, and mutual support in order to build resilience and improve collective security across affected regions,” as a first line of defence mechanism against the extremist terror elements operating within the region at will.
The Church also noted with great concern the deplorable condition of roads and other infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country, which are far from government promises made to Nigerians.
Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife and two children were killed by suspected Fulani Ethnic Militia.
The Council further charged ECWA members to be active participants in the forthcoming 2027 general election, stressing that the absence of principled and value-driven individuals in the political space has created room for poor governance and leadership deficits in the country.
The President noted that the electoral umpire must conduct their responsibilities in the forthcoming general election with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness, thereby strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and its outcomes.
The Council further charged all ECWA members to be mindful of the forthcoming 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, reiterating the critical role of credible leadership in shaping the future of the nation, hence their active participation is sacrosanct.
“Council therefore calls on all eligible members to ensure that they are duly registered and to participate actively in the electoral process at all levels. Furthermore, the Council encourages members who are called, gifted, and positioned for involvement in partisan politics to step forward and engage responsibly,” ECWA President stated
The Council equally appealed to the electoral umpire in the country to carry out their responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness, thereby strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and its outcomes.
Remains of the ECWA Pastor, his wife and children.
While encouraging active participation, the Council strongly advised all members to conduct themselves in a peaceful, lawful, and civil manner, avoiding all forms of violence, misconduct, or actions that could undermine the unity and stability of the nation.
The Council urged all members to remain prayerful and discerning, trusting God to guide the nation toward righteous leadership and sustainable development.
The Church Council further expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government for the appointment of some of their sons and daughters into the Federal Cabinet as Ministers.
“This gesture is duly recognised as a positive step that reflects confidence in their competence, integrity, and capacity for national service,” the ECWA President stated.
Editor’s note: Feature photo is courtesy of Bubby Media.
