In a heartening development, all 38 worshipers abducted from a church service in North Central Nigeria have been successfully released, thanks to the concerted efforts of security agencies and governmental intervention. The kidnapping occurred during an evening prayer session at Christ Apostolic Church in the Eruku community, where 10 armed assailants disrupted the service, resulting in multiple fatalities, including the church pastor, Sahara Reporters confirmed.
A video circulated on social media captured a service conducted on Sunday, where a preacher reassured congregants about facing death courageously. “Don’t let us fear death,” the preacher declared. “Anywhere death comes to you, make sure you do not curse Jesus.” The service was heavily guarded, with police vehicles stationed outside the church.
Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq of Kwara State announced the release, attributing the success to the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s immediate involvement. Tinubu canceled his scheduled attendance at the G20 summit in South Africa to address security issues in Kwara and Kebbi states, reported TVC News.
Governor Razaq expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort of various security agencies, including the National Security Adviser’s office, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor specifically credited President Tinubu’s involvement for the successful outcome and thanked local communities and religious groups for their support.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) denounced the attack, describing it as “heartbreaking and sad” and indicative of the ongoing insecurity affecting religious gatherings nationwide. Meanwhile, Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlighted that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 100 million naira ($69,000) per individual, later reducing it to 20 million naira (approximately $14,000).
The attackers, identified as part of a Fulani militia, were caught on video during the abduction. This incident follows a pattern of increasing attacks on religious institutions in Nigeria.
Recently, gunmen targeted St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, kidnapping 303 students and 12 teachers. Although 50 managed to escape, the school attack is part of a broader pattern, as noted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
The release of 24 girls from a separate abduction at a Kebbi State school was confirmed by CSW. The violence, however, is not limited to Christian institutions, as the dormitory also housed Muslim students.
Despite these events, President Tinubu’s administration denies allegations of religious persecution. A Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, recently visited Washington, D.C., to address claims of genocide against Christian communities. This visit followed Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. government.
Organizations like Open Doors have highlighted the scale of kidnapping in Nigeria, with over 20,000 individuals abducted between 2019 and 2023. The group noted that Christians are often targeted due to the higher ransoms they command, which fuels terrorist activities.
In response to these alarming trends, U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., introduced a congressional resolution condemning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This resolution calls for a crackdown on armed groups and urges the repeal of blasphemy laws, the release of imprisoned individuals for religious reasons, and the safe return of displaced Christians.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
