A child and a teen kidnapped by bandits in Nigeria and held captive for seven months died shortly after being released.
The two — Silvia Samuel, 4, and Hasana Bulus, 13 — were freed Nov. 2, but succumbed soon after to deprivation, abuse and illness experienced in captivity, Christian Daily International-Morning Star News reported.
Five people were released Nov. 2, for a ransom of three motorcycles and $1,482 per person, noted area resident Jethro Daniel.
Eleven were kidnapped April 20, when armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen targeted Christians in Awon village in Nigeria’s Kaduna state.
Pregnant mother abducted, died
Joy Samuel, Silvia’s pregnant mother, was abducted as well, and gave birth in captivity in August. Both Joy and the newborn died soon after delivery, Amnesty International in Nigeria told Christian Daily-Morning Star.
Three 14 year olds, a 34-year-old man and his 5-year-old son also died in captivity, area resident Ayuba Dabai told the news service.
“While in captivity, the abducted persons were always repeatedly threatened to be killed, starved, women and girls raped, beaten and dehumanized in so many ways,” Amnesty International reported.
World Watch List
Nigeria is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 places most difficult to be a Christian. Nigeria has led the world in the number of Christians killed for their faith or kidnapped.
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