Nigerian clergyman found dead after abduction

The body of a clergyman who was abducted in Kaduna State along with two colleagues has been found in the bush.

The body of a clergyman who was abducted in Kaduna State along with two colleagues has been found in the bush a day after the body of a kidnapped senior military officer was discovered in similar circumstances.

Reverends Iliya Anto and Yakubu Dzarma of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), and Reverend Emmanuel Dziggau, the UCCN President, were abducted by armed men on 21 March as they travelled on the Kaduna-Abuja Express Way on their way to clear a piece of land for the foundation of the church seminary.

Church sources informed the Nigerian media that the abductors called them on 22 March with details of a location where they claimed to have left Reverend Anto, who was unwell. The Reverend had recently undergone an operation and required medication. However, rescuers failed to find him at the stated location and his abductors refused to provide further information, claiming the church had sent too many people to the area.

Reverend Anto’s decomposing body was discovered in the bush on 30 March. Reverends Dziggau and Dzarma were freed that evening and are reported to be recovering in a private hospital in Kaduna. It is unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their release.

On 29 March, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Colonel Samaila Inusa, who was abducted by unknown gunmen in Kaduna on 27 March, had been found dead in the bush. The Colonel was abducted by gunmen as he drove with his wife along Kaduna Refinery Road, in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State. His wife was released and he was driven away in his own car.

According to an army statement, “most likely the late senior officer was killed same day he was kidnapped. This is because the body was found already decomposing around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State.”

Earlier, the authorities had offered a reward of N1million (around £3500) for information on the Colonel’s whereabouts.

Mervyn Thomas Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Reverend Anto and Colonel Inusa. Our prayers are with their families and with Reverends Dzarma and Dziggau as they recover from their ordeal. These abductions point to a worrying breakdown in law and order. We urge the authorities to step up security in the area and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”