Taraba: Despite Ransom Paid, Pastors Remain in Custody of Kidnappers – Dopah
Jalingo, Nigeria – The state of insecurity in Taraba, Nigeria, has reached alarming levels, as evidenced by the ongoing abduction of two pastors and several other individuals in the Yorro local government area.
Twenty people, including Rev. Elkanah Ayuba and Rev. Simon Ezra of the United Methodist Church (UMC), were abducted on December 19th, 2023, from Pupule town. Just four days later, on December 23rd, another attack by kidnappers in Dila village resulted in the abduction of Hon. Dimas Ishaya and others.
Adding to the escalating crisis, a group of kidnappers struck Gongon Maliki market on December 26th, taking the UMC Kasakuri pastor and several members hostage.
Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, Director of Connectional Ministries for the UMC, expressed outrage at the “ungodly, barbaric, unethical, heartless, evil, and senseless acts” plaguing the Yorro community. He emphasized the crippling impact of these abductions on the local economy and the emotional toll on families unable to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.
Despite ransom payments, none of the abducted pastors or fourteen other individuals have been released. This has led the UMC to issue a strong appeal to both the state and federal governments to intervene swiftly and decisively. Rev. Dopah warned that if no action is taken, the church may resort to self-defense measures, including mobilizing protests and blocking a major road.
He further urged traditional rulers and political figures in the area to publicly denounce any involvement in the kidnappings and collaborate with security agencies to restore peace to Yorro.
While the Taraba state Police Command assures the public of their efforts to address the situation, Rev. Dopah disputes their claims of releasing abducted Christians. He clarifies that only the Chief of Pupule, an Imam, and a pregnant woman have been freed, while all UMC members remain in captivity.
Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo acknowledges the challenges posed by the kidnappers’ advantageous terrain in Yorro but maintains that the police are working to neutralize them. He urges the church to refrain from protests and instead provide valuable information to support the police operation.
The ongoing abductions in Taraba highlight the persistent security challenges faced by communities across Nigeria. The UMC’s call for decisive action from authorities underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis and ensuring the safety of all citizens.