In a recent statement, Rev. Keoleh Saleh, the President of the Baptist Conference in Plateau, revealed that a total of 50 members of the church, including a pastor, were tragically killed in the recent attacks that took place in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Councils of the state.
According to a statement made by Saleh to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos yesterday, it has been revealed that more than 500 members have been displaced.
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The Baptist Church has been seriously impacted by the unfortunate carnage. Tragedy struck Kantoma as the community mourns the loss of over 31 members, including a Moderator, from the local church.The attack resulted in twenty-three women being widowed. Tragically, nine individuals lost their lives in Jwak Maitumbi, and one member perished in Kombili. Over 10 local churches have become a refuge for many of our members who have been displaced and are currently seeking shelter in various locations.
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According to reports, there are currently over 200 displaced persons in Jos, with four centres in the metropolis hosting between 10 to 20 people each. In addition, there are 50 displaced persons in Barkin Ladi, over 200 at Salama Baptist Church in Mangu, and 78 others, including 44 young children, at Bwarak in Pankshin. These individuals are in need of urgent assistance and support.
According to Saleh, the church has spent a whopping sum of over N3 million in the past week to provide for the basic needs of its members who have been displaced and are currently seeking refuge in different local churches.
According to his statement, approximately N2 million was spent within a week to procure relief materials. In a remarkable show of support, our Baptist partners have contributed N1 million to boost our efforts, bringing the total amount raised to N3 million. However, it remained insufficient. The organisation offered a range of essential items including foodstuffs, clothing, shoes, mats, blankets, and more.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna has expressed concern that 15 worshippers who were abducted in the state are still being held captive, just hours before President Muhammadu Buhari’s exit.
CAN expresses concern. Disturbance has been reported in the operations of CAN. It appears that CAN is currently in a state of mourning. Rather than pondering over the events of the next 24 hours,The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, expressed concern for the well-being of the people, stating that it is their top priority as an association.
In a conversation with reporters in Kaduna, Hayab stated, “Today marks the third Sunday.” In a span of 21 days, or precisely three weeks, the aforementioned event took place.”In a recent incident, Bege Baptist Church located in Madallah, near Buruku, in Chikun Local Council, was the site of a mass abduction of over 40 worshippers. According to sources, 15 individuals are reportedly still being held captive by the bandits.
Despite all attempts to secure their release, the bandits have not relented. At the time of reporting, the bandits are reportedly still making significant demands.”The impoverished villagers are unable to afford the expenses required to rescue these individuals. The bandits have reportedly made demands for bicycles and cash. One may wonder where these individuals acquire such funds to donate. The individuals in question are impoverished farmers who have been unable to access their farms for a year. Despite this, their spouses, offspring, and elderly relatives remain in the wilderness. Silence prevails as no one utters a word.
The individuals in positions of authority are primarily focused on acquiring more resources and benefits. There appears to be a lack of concern regarding the delivery of these individuals to their families.
