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16 worshipers kidnapped in Kaduna regain their freedom

By Zuleihat Ahmed

June 05, 2023

The remaining 16 worshippers who were kidnapped from Bege Baptists Church, Madala, along Buruku in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria, have regained their freedom after spending nearly a month in the kidnappers’ den.

Psychological oppressors had on May 7, 2023, stole 40 admirers at Bege Baptist Church however 24 of the 40 admirers got away from their abductors. However, nothing further was reported regarding the remaining worshippers since then.

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However, on Monday, Rev. John Hayab, the state’s CAN Chairman, announced the release of the remaining 16 worshippers.

The priest said their delivery was made conceivable by the Muslim People group nearby, who contributed an undisclosed sum and bought bikes for the desperados as payment before they let go of the stole admirers.

“This goes to show good, caring, and sincere neighbors that practically showed concern for the plight of their brothers and sisters that were abducted and their sincere wish that they return home to live with them in peace and harmony,” Hayab said while expressing gratitude to the Muslim community. “The Muslim community where the worshippers were abducted contributed money and bought a motorcycle as part of ransom required for the release of their Christian brothers and sisters in captivity.”

“All in other parts of the state should follow the example set by the Muslim community in Madala for a united and peaceful coexistence that is necessary for the state’s overall development.”

Adding that Nigerians must learn to be their brothers’ keepers in order to combat insecurity, Hayab noted that the Muslim community had demonstrated that one does not need to be educated to do the necessary.

He added that the remaining 16 worshippers were reunited with their families on Sunday after the bandits released them.