Church authority verifies kidnapping of clergy member in Plateau State, requests spiritual support

The Evangelical Church Winning All on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of a retired pastor, Sunday Agang, in Jos, Plateau State.

The Public Relations Officer of ECWA, Dickson Auta, confirmed the incident in an interview with PUNCH Online in Jos, saying, “Yes, it’s true. We got a report of the abduction. I’m actually writing a public statement on that, and I will soon release it.”

A source close to the family told our correspondent in Jos on Tuesday that gunmen numbering about six invaded the retired pastor’s residence at Farin-Gada community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the early hours of Tuesday and whisked him at gunpoint to an unknown destination.

The source added that the gunmen arrived at the house at about 5:00 am when the family were still in bed, adding that they forced their way into the house and held the family hostage before the head of the family was taken away.

“Before the family could raise an alarm, the kidnappers had disappeared with their victim in a car brought by the undesirable elements.”

Also, another source close to the headquarters of the church in Jos said the authority has reported to the appropriate authorities, adding that they are making efforts to trace the kidnappers to their hideout.

It was further learned that the kidnappers, at the time of filling this report, had yet to get in touch with the family and the church authority for possible ransom.

A statement released later on Tuesday by the ECWA church lamented the frequent attacks on its pastors and worshippers by gunmen in Kwara and Plateau states.

The statement titled, “ECWA Confirms Attacks on Congregation and Abduction of Pastor, Calls for Calm and Prayer” and signed by the church spokesman, Dickson Auta, read, “Our church, The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has confirmed a series of criminal attacks targeting its members and clergy in Kwara State.

“The church is actively monitoring the situation and has called for calm and fervent prayer following the abduction of seven worshippers and a senior pastor.

“The first incident occurred earlier this week at a church service in Oke Oro LCC of Oro Ago, DCC, Kwara State, when armed bandits attacked the congregation. During the assault, eight worshippers were taken, and several others sustained injuries of varying degrees, while the bandits went away with their phones and many valuables.

“In a subsequent incident, the assailants abducted Rev. Sunday Bobai Agangs, a pastor with the denomination.

“ECWA leadership has acknowledged receipt of all reports regarding the incidents and is currently engaged with the situation. In an official statement, the church urged the public to remain calm and prayerful.

“The church is calling on everyone to remain calm but prayerful because God is going to fight His battle Himself.

“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”