A well-known pastor in Nigeria died in an auto accident on Saturday (May 24) as he returned from preaching at an evangelistic event, sources said.

The Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman was returning from Makurdi, Benue state, where he had preached to thousands of people at a week-long evangelistic outreach, to his base in the city of Kaduna when his car was struck in Kaduna state’s Kajuru County, according to a statement from the King’s Worship Chapel and Ministry, Inc., where Azzaman was senior pastor. He was 54.

“At approximately 1 p.m., a vehicle coming from the opposite direction swerved suddenly to avoid a pothole and rammed into the side of the car where Rev. Azzaman was seated,” the Rev. Dr. Sam Magai Albert, general overseer of the ministry, said in a statement on Facebook. “The impact forced their vehicle off the road and into the bush, where it collided with a tree.”

Azzaman was seated in the front passenger seat. He and the other occupants were rushed to Idon Rural Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:56 p.m., according to the statement. A medical report showed he sustained multiple fractures to his legs and other critical injuries.

“Even in the midst of excruciating pain, Rev. Azzaman’s selflessness and pastoral spirit shone through,” Albert stated. “According to the surviving passengers, his foremost concern was not for himself, but for their wellbeing. Once he was assured they were safe, he broke into a soft rendition of the Hausa hymn, “Watarana, watarana” – a solemn, hope-filled declaration of readiness to meet his Maker.”

Azzaman’s last words were, “Let me rest…I just want to rest,” according to Albert.

The other passengers were treated and discharged.

“I have lost more than a colleague,” Albert stated. “I have lost a younger brother, a dependable ally, a fearless preacher and a relentless worker in the Lord’s vineyard. Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman was one of the finest among us. He was full of fire, faith, compassion and humility. He served with unwavering courage, dedication and contagious passion for souls. He was the best of the best.”

Azzaman, a convert from Islam, had preached the gospel throughout Nigeria but focused on reaching Muslims in northern Nigeria. His boldness in engaging Muslim scholars and clerics had significant impact.  

His death brought an outpouring of tributes from across the country, with many seeing his passing as a great loss to the church in Nigeria. Jonathan Asake, a former parliamentarian in Kaduna state in Nigeria’s National Assembly, said Azzaman was great evangelist and defender of social justice and religious freedom.