The six students and two staff members of a Christian-run school in Kaduna state who were kidnapped on 3 October were released on 26 October.
Police claimed responsibility for the rescue, stating that they had “intercepted” the students and staff, and rescued them unhurt. Parents of the students, however, insist that the police did not carry out the rescue but that instead a ransom was paid resulting in their release. Police then picked up the victims after they had been set free.
Ohemu Fredrick, a spokesman for the parents, told reporters that the girls and teachers were tortured each time there was a phone call, so that their cries could be audibly heard. Throughout their captivity, they had been fed only rice mixed with palm oil.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major source of income for terrorist groups that are seeking to advance their Islamic agenda and, in the process, often specifically target Christians.
Sources: Church in Chains, AllAfrica
- Praise God for the safe release of these eight kidnapped individuals.
- Pray for their continued emotional and physical recovery from the trauma they experienced in captivity, and that their concerned families will be able to recover as well.
- Pray the authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice. Pray they will be brought out of darkness, into the light of God’s love and truth.
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Indeed we praise and thank the Lord: ‘Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.’ Sovereign Father, our brothers and sisters are suffering so much in Nigeria as in many other countries. We know this is in accordance with your purposes and plans as the Gospel goes forward. Please have mercy on these your servants who have been recently released as we remember Psalm 34:18, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ As we pray for the perpetrators we remember, ‘Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.’ Jeremiah 23:5. Amen and Amen