Tragedy struck in the Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday as heavily armed gunmen abducted a pastor identified as, Usman Umaru.
NIGERIACRIME learnt that the abducted cleric was working with the Evangelical Church Winning All.
Umaru was said to have been abducted alongside two other persons in his church located in Maigemu community in the early hours of Wednesday.
The development was confirmed by a youth leader in the Maigemu community, Michael Madaki, on Wednesday, in Jos, the state capital.
According to the youth leader, security personnel in the area have been combing every bush around in a bid to rescue the pastor and the two other victims, since they were briefed of the happenings.
Madaki said, “In the early hours of Wednesday 13th September, 2023. Unknown gunmen whom we believe were kidnappers invaded the Maigemu community in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau state. They made it straight to the ECWA Church Nuku and kidnapped the Pastor, Usman Umaru.
“The gunmen also kidnapped another person whose name is Agwom Dauda and a woman before they escaped.
“Since the kidnap incident happened, men of the special taskforce, Operation Safe Haven, and some vigilante members in the community have been searching everywhere to rescue the victims.”
READ ALSO: Fake Policeman Arrested In Ondo
The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not available to comment on the incident when contacted by our correspondent as several calls made to his mobile phones indicated that they were switched off.
In another development, a new batch of 43 thugs (Yan Daba) from two rival groups of Goburawa-Gangare and Tudun Fulani Quarters of Ungogo LGA of Kano State embraced peace and surrendered themselves to the police command in the state.
The 43 thugs bring the total number of repentant thugs in the State to 143. The repentant thugs were in the company of some elders, who are stakeholders in the community.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a press statement, explained that these 43 thugs (Yan Daba) from the two rival groups were previously engaged in violent rival fights (Fadan Yan Daba) for more than five years.
According to the statement, the fights often lead to attacks on innocent citizens, resulting in loss of lives, injuries to people, and damage to properties.
“They have now repented, surrendered themselves, and promised to work with the Police Command to promote sustainable peace and development of the State.”