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Again, gunmen struck in Kaduna State and kidnapped the pastor of Nargata Baptist Church, Elisha Numan; just a week after another pastor was killed in the state by kidnappers.
The gang reportedly stormed the cleric’s Chukun home about 2 am, kidnapped him and his son, and later released the son.
In a statement, the state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the incident, which happened one week after the killing of Living Faith Church pastor whose wife was freed after the payment of ransom.
Chairman of Kaduna CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, lamented the latest kidnap as well as the state government’s docility over the persecution of Christian leaders in the state.
He said, “One of our pastors has been kidnapped again, early this morning (Wednesday), Pastor Elisha Numan of Nagarta Baptist Church, Ungwan Makere near Udawa. We are yet to hear from him.
“They forcefully entered his house at 2 a.m., took him with his son (Emmanuel) from their home and later released the son.
“This business of kidnapping people, especially Christian leaders, will not stop unless our security agencies wake up from slumber and treat this matter with all seriousness.
“We are also calling on Christians to take the issue of the security of their pastors seriously.”
The CAN leader lamented that it was unfortunate that the state government had remained silent to the rampant kidnap of pastors and Christian leaders.
“Just last week, Living Faith pastor was killed by kidnappers. We visited the house of the pastor to see the wife who was recently released by the kidnappers. I specifically asked her if government officials had come, and she said no,” he added.
At press time, spokesman for Kaduna Police Command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, was yet to respond to calls and messages to his phone regarding the development.
The pastor’s son affirmed: “They came around 1 a.m. They were over 20 armed men who came to the village and started hitting at doors, but nobody opened. They then forced their way into houses and vandalised property. They carted away valuables, including mobile phones and clothing in my mother’s box.
“They picked me together with my father. But after a while into the bush, I was released and they went away with my father. One of them was dressed in military camouflage.
“As they released me, they threatened that if we fail to bring money in five days, though they didn’t mention the amount, they would kill him.
“We are yet to report to the police because even when we had similar experience in the past and contacted them, they did not do anything about it. So, it is of no use.”