Nigeria: Pastor of Evangelical church and two other Christians kidnapped in Plateau state
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The pastor and two other members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nigeria’s Plateau State were kidnapped last week by armed terrorists, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Plagued by Islamic terror groups who have murdered, kidnapped, and displaced tens of thousands of Christians since 2009, Nigeria ranks 6th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
The Rev. Usman Umaru, pastor of ECWA, was abducted on Wednesday, September 13, in Jos East County, Plateau state, at the same time as Christians Agwom Dauda and Sarah, MSN reports.
“Armed terrorists invaded the Maigyemu community in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau state,” area resident Michael Madaki told MSN. “The terrorists broke into the premises of ECWA Church, Nuku village, and kidnapped the pastor, Usman Umaru,” Madaki said.
Attacks against Christians in Plateau state have been prolific, with Fulani herdsmen and members of the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa terror groups murdering and kidnapping believers with impunity.
“In July, five Christians were killed in attacks on Zangam and Kayarda communities in Maigyemu District,” MSN said in its report on recent atrocities in Plateau state. “Among those slain were Agada Sambo of Zangam village and Azi of Kayarda. Another Christian, Luka Izang, was kidnapped but released after his family paid a ransom.”
According to the US Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization, no fewer than 4,726 Christians in Nigeria were abducted last year.
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