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Nigeria: Abductors release Christian university professor while country leads world for deadly persecution

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The deputy vice-chancellor of the Christian Anchor University in Lagos state, Nigeria has reportedly been released after being kidnapped by suspected Muslim Fulani herdsmen on Jan. 18, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. John Fatokun is understood to have been released on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Nevertheless, Nigeria ranks number one on the 2021 World Watch List for countries in which Christians are killed for their faith.

Professor Fatokun, who is also a professor of computational mathematics and numerical analysis at Anchor University, was abducted as he traveled from Plateau state to Nasarawa state, MSN reports.

“Despite the experience, my faith remains unshakable,” Fatokun reportedly told Nigerian media. “We will continue to work, pray and raise godly men and women who are destined to change the narratives and make Nigeria a better place for the generations ahead.” Although Fatokun could not positively identify the kidnappers, Muslim Fulani terrorists have been active in Nasarawa state, MSN said.

According to Okesola Sanusi, Anchor’s assistant registrar and head of strategy and communications, Fatokun was released after fervent prayers were made for him. Anchor University wrote on Facebook: “To the glory of God, the deputy vice-chancellor, Anchor University, Professor J.O. Fatokun, has been released.”

In January 2020, Christian Solidarity International (CSI) issued a genocide watch for Nigeria: In a statement, Chairman of CSI International Management Dr. John Eibner said: “The conditions for genocide exist in Nigeria, with Christians, non-violent Muslims, and adherents of tribal religions being particularly vulnerable. The increasingly violent attacks and the failure of the Nigerian government to prevent them and punish the perpetrators are alarming.”