A pastor, whose wife and daughter were kidnapped a year ago, recently received a ransom demand from the captors.
Mercy and Talita Simon were kidnapped Nov. 9, 2025 as they traveled in a group in Nigeria’s Borno state, Christian Daily International-Morning Star News reported.
The kidnappers are thought to be rebels of the jihadist group Boko Haram, and in September they demanded $37,200 in ransom for Mercy and Talita, eventually lowering it to $8,927, said her husband, identified as Pastor Simon. The couple has three other children.
More than the pastor can pay
Even the lower amount is more than the pastor can pay, Barka Iliyasu, an area council official, told Christian Daily-Morning Star.
“I’m pleading with the Nigerian president and those in authority to help secure the release of my wife and daughter,” Simon said.
There are some 70 Christians being held captive, he stated, though five were freed Oct. 19 after ransoms were paid.
Simon believes his wife and daughter are alive.
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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