Nigeria: Pastors kidnapped in Kaduna State

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

By Joseph DeCaro

(Worthy News) - Unidentified gunmen last week kidnapped three United Church of Christ in Nigeria clerics in Kaduna State.

According to Morning Star News, masked gunmen stormed a camp site where the pastors were preparing for an Easter retreat. Armed with AK-47s, the gunmen dragged the clerics into their vehicle as the rest fled for their lives.

Abducted were the Reverends Emmanuel Dziggau, Yakubu Dzarma and Iliya Anto, a retired church leader. Although Anto was released just hours after his abduction due to poor health, the kidnappers still demanded 100 million naira (US$500,000) for the other two clerics.

Local police officials said they have set up a special task force to address cattle rustlers in Kaduna state who have now turned to kidnapping.