By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA (Worthy News) - A Pentecostal congregation in southwestern Nigeria faced an uncertain Easter after gunmen raided the church and kidnapped two worshipers, Christians said Saturday.
Since this week’s attack at the Shepherd Celestial Church in Nigeria’s Ogun State, one Christian was released, police confirmed.
“Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi was rescued through the relentless combing of the forest” near the church in the state’s Oriyarin village, in the town of Mowe, said spokeswoman Omolola Odutola.
She stressed that “policemen, hunters,” and others had been searching for him and added, “he has been reunited with his family.”
However, the other Christian, Oluboboye Abiola, “has not been released, but we are on the trail of the kidnappers,” the spokesperson added.
There were no reports of injuries during the raid and subsequent rescue efforts.
It comes amid broader concerns about kidnappings of Christians that have often been linked to Islamic groups.
Thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria in recent years, according to human rights groups and churches.