In Nigeria, Muslims kidnap 3 Protestant pastors in two months

Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Nigeria. Photo: nigeriannewsleader.com
On November 11, 2024, Christian pastor Emmanuel Azubuike was released after being kidnapped in Imo State, according to the Barnabas Fund.
The clergyman was reportedly abducted by Muslims residing in Imo State on November 5. In this state, the Muslim population outnumbers the Christian population, and conflicts over religious differences are common.
The Barnabas Fund reports that a week before Pastor Emmanuel’s abduction, two other Christian pastors were kidnapped in southern Nigeria.
On October 26, Pastor David Arinze Ajaefob was abducted in Anambra State. Unknown individuals took him to an undisclosed location directly from the church where he served. Pastor David remains in the hands of his captors.
On October 27, Thomas Oyode was kidnapped in Edo State. He offered himself as a hostage in place of two other church members whom the kidnappers intended to take. Thomas Oyode was released on November 7 and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, Christians in Nigeria have been increasingly targeted by Islamist militants. These crimes most frequently occur in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where the majority of the population is Muslim. Kidnappings are becoming more common, with pastors and church workers suffering the most.
Previously, it was reported that armed individuals in Nigeria had kidnapped the rector of a Catholic seminary.
Read also

Slovak Prime Minister: Two genders should be enshrined in the Constitution
Robert Fico stated that such an amendment appeared in the country's Constitution.

UOC releases video report about children expelled from Cherkasy cathedral
"It's damp, dark, and there's very little space here. We miss our cathedral and want to return," says a student of the Sunday school in the adapted premises.
In Radyvyliv, UOC believers hold cross procession for peace in Ukraine
Orthodox Christians prayed for peace, AFU warriors, all those who suffer, and the spiritual revival of Ukraine.
Albanian Primate to make peaceful visit to Constantinople
Archbishop Ioannis will conduct a joint service with Patriarch Bartholomew.
Brailiv Monastery of UOC celebrates its anniversaries
Following the Divine Liturgy, a religious procession took place.
In vlg. Manchenky, Met. Onuphry of Kharkiv consecrates new UOC temple
During the service, prayers were offered for peace in Ukrainian land.