Gunmen kidnap retired ECWA pastor in Kaduna, demand ‘N1m ransom’

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Filibus Bamai, a retired pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in Matuak Rimi, Kaura LGA of Kaduna.

According to NAN, a source close to the church said Bamai was attacked at his residence at about 12:50 am on Sunday.

The deceased who recently clocked 65 years, had just retired from service on December 17.

During the attack, the gunmen allegedly beat the wife with a stick, which led to injuries on her head and bruises on her back.

The pastor was taken away wearing only a pair of boxer shorts.

The source said the abductors initially demanded the sum of “N5 million before reducing it to N1 million after several pleas”.

“So far, about N300,000 has been mobilised. We call on security agencies to beef up security in the area to protect lives and properties,” the source said.

When contacted, Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson in the state, promised to get back on the incident “after reaching the divisional police officer in the area”.

Religious and traditional leaders have been a target for gunmen terrorising Kaduna communities.

In September, one Stephen Naman, a seminarian, was burnt to death by bandits who attacked the residence of the Parish priest in Sabon Kaura, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna.