In Moro’a Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Rev Filibus Bamai, a retired priest from ECWA Church, Matuak Rimi, was recently abducted by unidentified gunmen. The assailants, who demanded a ransom of N5 million initially, later reduced their demand to N1 million for his release. The abduction occurred on Sunday at 12:50 am in Bamai’s home shortly after his retirement on December 17, having reached the age of 65.
During the abduction, the clergyman was taken away in only his boxers, while his wife endured a brutal attack with a stick, resulting in a head injury and bruises on her back. Expressing concern, a source close to the church in Manchok disclosed these distressing details on Tuesday.
As efforts to secure Bamai’s release continue, a cleric reported that approximately N300,000 has been raised so far. The cleric urged security agencies to intensify efforts in enhancing security in the area to safeguard both lives and property.
The incident adds to the growing trend of kidnappings in rural communities, where criminals exploit weak security situations to target victims at will. Just a week prior, in the Chawai chiefdom of Kauru Local Government, a farmer named Mr. Sunday Bage, along with his wife Listu, fell victim to kidnapping in Pari village. The surge in such incidents highlights the pressing need for improved security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
