OKENE, Nigeria — Two Nigerian pastors have recently been abducted in Kogi state, as kidnapping cartels that have plagued the central state the last three years directed their aim at Christian leaders.
In a departure from numerous kidnappings of high-profile business and government leaders in Kogi state since 2013, gunmen abducted Pastor David Onubedo of Deeper Life Bible Church on Jan. 25 in Okene after a Bible study, according to local reports. Onubedo’s captors are reported to have contacted his wife and the leadership of the church to demand $249,000 for his release.
In Lokoja, capital of Kogi state, gunmen kidnapped Pastor Ayo Raphael on Jan. 10 during a worship service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Resurrection parish, sources said. Masked gunmen disrupted the service and took the pastor away at gunpoint, a member of the congregation said on condition of anonymity.
The kidnappers of the Pentecostal pastor also are demanding $249,000 for his release, the source said.
(MS)
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