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.

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