Bravery and Faith: Pilot’s Response During Aid Plane Hijacking
An intense and potentially dangerous situation unfolded when a Samaritan’s Purse plane was hijacked en route to South Sudan. The pilot’s unexpected response to the hijacker’s threats may have played a crucial role in averting a tragedy.
In a recent interview with ABC 45, Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, recounted the harrowing event involving the hijacking of their Cessna Grand Caravan. The aircraft, carrying vital medical supplies to Maiwut, South Sudan, was targeted on December 2.
The pilot reportedly engaged the hijacker, who had boarded unnoticed, in conversation. Attempting to dissuade him, the pilot was faced with dire threats. According to Graham, the hijacker said, “I’m going to kill you and I’m going to count to three and I’m going to kill you.” In response, the pilot decided to convey a message of compassion, telling the man that God loves him. This unexpected act led the hijacker to surrender, allowing for a peaceful resolution.
The flight, which included a pilot and a staff member from Samaritan’s Purse, continued to Wau, South Sudan, where the hijacker was detained by the National Security Service of South Sudan. Samaritan’s Purse expressed gratitude for the protection and effective response by local authorities, stating, “We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and we are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome.”
The perpetrator, identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, hails from the Abyei Administrative Area, a contested, oil-rich region between South Sudan and Sudan. Reports from The Associated Press indicate that Yusuf’s motive may have involved a desire to reach Chad, though this remains unconfirmed.
This incident follows a recent tragic event where another Samaritan’s Purse aid flight crashed, resulting in the loss of three lives. The aircraft, operated by Nari Air, was carrying supplies from Juba to flood victims when it went down near Leer County. Bikram Rai, Deputy Director of Samaritan’s Purse in South Sudan, stated to Reuters, “Our team has reached the crash site, and it is with deep sadness that I share the confirmation that all three crew members have passed away.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
