Abuja, NigeriaJanuary 9, 2024 (christian daily international–morning star news)
Two pastors kidnapped along with other pastors in Nigeria last month remain in custody despite the church paying 11 million naira (US$12,264) for their release, church officials say. That's what it means.
Pastors Elkana Ayuba and Simon Ezra of the United Methodist Church (UMC) were among at least 20 people abducted on December 19 from Pupure Town in Yoro County, Taraba State, according to Pastor Mika Dopa. It is said that , president of the UMC Southern Conference.
“As the body of Christ, we mobilized and paid 11 million naira for the release of our believers, but the terrorists have decided to release only the Muslim victims in their custody,” Pastor Dopa said. He said in a statement on April 4th. “Given the video clips circulated in the media and the actions of the terrorists, it is clear that the terrorist activities are a conspiracy to eliminate Christians in the area.”
He said two pastors and 14 UMC members remain in captivity. The kidnappers on December 23 also kidnapped another UMC member, Dimas Ishaya, along with other members of Dira village. On December 26, they abducted UMC member Fidelis Daniel from his home along with UMC pastor Kasakri and other church members at Gongon Malik Market in Gongon village, he said.
“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms the ungodly, barbaric, heartless, evil and senseless act of banditry and terrorism in the Yolo community,” Pastor Dopa said.
Charles Tolumaba, a local resident, said the kidnappers were being transported with their captives.
“We have learned that Pastor Elkana Ayuba has revealed that he continues to move terrorists towards the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon,” Tolumaba told Christian Daily International Morningstar News. Ta. “Without food and water, their health is deteriorating.The demands of the bandits are high, in the millions of naira.The church is finding it difficult to meet the demands of the terrorists. There is.”
In a video recorded by his kidnappers three days after his December 19 abduction, a blindfolded pastor, Ayuba, appears to be a leader in Taraba State, especially Muslims and Christians under the Islamic Council and Christian Association. He said the kidnappers threatened to kill him if he did not. Nigeria (CAN), please come together and draw the attention of the Nigerian government to our plight. ”
“We need them to have a dialogue with the prisoners in order to free us from captivity,” Pastor Ayuba said as armed prisoners stood behind him. “The government needs to talk to the POWs and find a lasting solution to this threat. I believe we will be killed unless this is resolved within the next few days.”
The pastor, who is the Superintendent of UMC's Yolo Central District, was apparently held at gunpoint to give the impression that the captives were Muslim Fulani herdsmen who had taken up arms because of alienation from the Nigerian government. is.
Pastor Dopa called on the Yolo community to assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious persons or movements.
“We hope that both the Federal Government and the Taraba State Government will act quickly to bring this incident to an end and ensure the release of the pastor and 14 others. would resort to self-defense, which is both biblical and constitutional,” he said. reportedly.
Commissioner of Police Joseph Erivo said the state police command has developed a strategy to rid the area and the state of criminals. He appealed for calm and for the community to come forward with information that could help prosecute.
“Christians in Taraba State continue to suffer from the heinous activities of Muslim Fulani bandits, kidnappers and kidnappers,” Pastor Isaiah Magaji Jirapye, Chairman of the Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said in a press statement. “There is,” he said. You're a terrorist. ”
“The recent kidnapping of some Christians by a gang of Muslim Fulani bandits in Yoro Local Government Area of Taraba State, whose videos were published on social media, has aroused serious concern to everyone and everyone. “There are,” said Pastor Gilapye. “Despite the fact that the church paid a ransom for the release of the pastor and members, the terrorists refused to release them. But instead they released other Muslim abductees. Terrorism, robbery, Winning the fight against kidnapping requires concerted efforts by the Nigerian government, Taraba State government and other stakeholders.”
In a text message to Christian Daily International Morning Star News, Akilah Haman, a resident of the area, asked for prayers for the prisoners and called out some of the other prisoners, including Papa Andeyati, Emma Francis and Linus. Another resident, John Jonathan, identified as Anthony and Uncle Micah, similarly asked for prayers for the prisoners. .
According to Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report, Nigeria led the world in the number of Christians killed for their faith in 2022 with 5,014. It also led the world in kidnappings of Christians (4,726 people), sexual assault and harassment, forced marriages, and physical and psychological abuse, and had the highest number of attacks on homes and businesses for religious reasons. As in previous years, Nigeria had the second highest number of church attacks and internally displaced persons.
On the 2023 World Watch List of countries where it is most difficult to become a Christian, Nigeria has risen to a record 6th place, up from 7th place the previous year.
“Armed groups such as the Fulani, Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are attacking Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping, and kidnapping for ransom and sexual slavery,” WWL reports. The book pointed out. “This year, the violence has also spread to the Christian-majority south of the country. Violations of Christian rights continue with impunity as the Nigerian government continues to deny that this is religious persecution. It’s been done.”
The millions of mainly Muslim Fulani people in Nigeria and the Sahel region are made up of hundreds of clans of various lineages that do not hold extremist views, although some Fulani do have extremist views. Islamist ideology, the UK's All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom, or 2020 Featured Beliefs (APPG) report.
“They have adopted strategies comparable to Boko Haram and ISWAP, and have demonstrated a clear intent to target Christians and powerful symbols of Christian identity,” the APPG report said.
Nigeria's Christian leaders say pastoralist attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt, where desertification has made it difficult to maintain herds, have led to forcible occupation of Christian lands and Islamic He said he believed it was inspired by their desire to impose their religion.
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Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Nar-Edom
Originally published by Morningstar News. Used with permission.
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