The remaining sixteen worshippers kidnapped during a Sunday service at Bege Baptist Church, Madala near Buruku in Kaduna state’s Chikun Local Government Area, have been released.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that about 40 worshippers were abducted by bandits on Sunday, May 7, 2023, while many of the abducted worshippers escaped, sixteen people were later whisked away.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), told journalists on Monday that the 16 remaining abducted worshippers were released on Sunday.
The CAN official also revealed that many of the victims have been reunited with their families, while those who sustained injuries are being treated at an unnamed hospital.
Hayab also expressed gratitude to the local Muslim community for their financial assistance in obtaining the release of the abducted victims.
He said:
The Muslim community where the worshippers were abducted contributed money and bought a motorcycle as part of ransom required for the release of their Christian brothers and sisters in captivity.
This goes to show good, caring, and sincere neighbours that practically showed concern to the plight of their brothers and sisters that were abducted and their sincere wish that they return home to live together with them in peace and harmony.
Hayab stated that the exemplary life demonstrated by the Muslim community in Madala should be emulated by all in other parts of the state in order to achieve the state’s overall development through united and peaceful coexistence.
He emphasized that the Muslim community has demonstrated that one does not need to be educated before doing what is necessary and that Nigerians from all walks of life should be their brothers’ keepers in order to eliminate all forms of insecurity in all parts of the country.