Unknown gunmen abducted retired priest Rev Filibus Bamai of ECWA Church, Matuak Rimi, in the Moro’a Chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The kidnappers are now demanding a ransom of N1 million for his release.
A source close to the church disclosed this information in Manchok on Tuesday. According to the source, the retired cleric, who marked his 65th birthday and retirement on December 17, was abducted from his home at 12:50 am on Sunday.
The gunmen reportedly took Bamai away wearing only boxers, while his wife suffered a brutal attack. She was severely beaten with a stick, sustaining a cut on her head and bruises on her back during the abduction.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N5 million for the release of the retired priest. However, the source revealed that the ransom was later reduced to N1 million as of Monday. The family and community have managed to mobilize about N300,000 so far.
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Expressing concern over the increasing rate of kidnappings in rural communities, the source called on security agencies to intensify efforts to enhance the security situation in the area. The plea is aimed at protecting the lives and properties of residents who continue to be vulnerable to such criminal activities.
This incident comes on the heels of another kidnapping barely a week ago in Pari village in the Chawai chiefdom of Kauru Local Government. A farmer, Mr. Sunday Bage, and his wife, Listu, were abducted, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by residents in rural areas.
Authorities are working hard to address the rising wave of kidnappings. Meanwhile the community awaits developments in the efforts to secure the release of the retired priest and urges a swift resolution to the distressing situation.