Rev. Jen Tivkaa Moses after
his release by kidnappers.
Photo: Morningstar News
Christian leaders have announced that a previously abducted pastor was freed on August 9th, five days after being kidnapped. Rev. Jen Tivkaa Moses had been seized on Friday, August 4th by young Fulani herdsmen while travelling along the highway from Jos to Abuja in Plateau state. Thankfully, he was brought safely back to Jos at about 1 o'clock in the morning the following Wednesday. While it is unclear whether a full ransom had been granted to the kidnappers, who demanded one million naira (approximately $3,400 CAD), a payment was made to secure his release.
The kidnapping occurred as Rev. Moses and his driver were on their way to attend a leadership seminar. Although the driver, Yohanna Maina, had been released late on the night of the abduction, he sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh when the assailants shot into the windshield of the car he was driving.
In recent days, other pastors and church members -- including pregnant women and children -- have also been kidnapped by young Fulani herdsmen along the Abuja-Kaduna road. Reports indicate that the hostages are often subjected to varying degrees of trauma and only released after payments of ransom are made. Due to these unfortunate series of incidents, Christian leaders have urged the Nigerian government to step up its efforts to secure lives and property.
A spokesperson for the leaders of the Evangelical Church Winning All stated that they will remain committed to praying on behalf of "all those in authority, for wisdom to lead justly in accordance with God's will." While sharing their gratitude for Rev. Moses' safe return home, we can join along with fellow believers in praying that he will continue to effectively lead his congregation and minister to those in need within his community.
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