Bandits took forty Bege Baptist Church members hostage in the first week of May while having church service. Several members were miraculously freed, but 16 others were held during captivity. As a result of the Muslims' contribution of money and the purchase of a motorcycle for the bandits, the remaining church members have recently returned to their homes.
16 Members of Bege Baptist Church Returned Home
Based on a report from the Daily Post, on Monday, June 5, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), revealed that the 16 worshippers still being held captive were freed on Sunday, June 4. Many freed worshippers reportedly reunited with their families, while those who were injured are currently undergoing medical treatment in a hospital. According to The Guardian, a harmonious and peaceful neighborhood is necessary for the entire growth of the state, and everyone in other regions of the state should strive to live their lives in imitation of the Muslim community in Madala, which lives a life that serves as an example for others.
As mentioned, Rev. Hayab extended his gratitude to the Muslim community in the region, noting that the Muslim community in the area where the worshippers had been kidnapped had contributed money and purchased a motorcycle as part of the ransom needed to secure the release of their Christian brothers and sisters who were being held captive. He also claimed that this is evidence of excellent, loving, and honest neighbors who, in practice, expressed concern for the situation of their brothers and sisters who had been kidnapped and who sincerely wished for their safe return to their homes so that they may continue to live with those around them in peace and harmony. Rev. Hayab added that it demonstrates that good neighbors care about one another. Furthermore, the priest asserted that the Muslim community has also shown that one does not need the education to perform a necessary action, highlighting that Nigerians from all walks of life should be their brothers' protectors to eliminate all forms of danger in every region of the country.
Also Read: Terrorists in Nigeria Killed Rev. Musa Mairimi of Evangelical Church Winning All, Wife Kidnapped
Abduction in Nigeria
An article from The Conversation stated that in the first half of 2021, Nigerian bandits were responsible for aborting more than three thousand people. At the same time, it is estimated that there were around 571 kidnapping incidents in January 2022. The crisis caused by terrorism in Nigeria is a multifaceted situation involving a lot of different interests and actors. Certain criminals are motivated by opportunity, while others are motivated by organization. Banditry is used by terrorists, insurgents, and militants as a method of fundraising for their operations as well as a negotiation tool.
Accordingly, kidnappings for the purpose of demanding a ransom are widespread in Nigeria because the criminals have access to both the financial incentive and the chance to do so, and victims find it more convenient to pay the ransom. On the other hand, eliminating incentives, establishing more stringent deterrents, improving the efficiency of police work, and increasing vigilance are all potentially viable approaches to stop these incidents.
Related Article:Bandits in Nigeria Kidnapped 25 People at Bege Baptist Church
