By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA, NIGERIA (Worthy News) - Grieving Christians in northwest Nigeria asked for prayers as more details emerged Monday about the killing of two church leaders in ongoing anti-Christian violence in the West African nation.
“Attacks continue to take place across the country, which often lead to murders and kidnappings. On November 11, Pastor David Musa was kidnapped from his farm in the Obajana area of [Nigeria’s north-central] Kogi State” before being murdered, said advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
“The terrorists initially demanded 20 million naira (about $24,000) for his release. As the members of his church could not raise that amount, the kidnappers agreed to accept one million naira, provided that other items such as poultry, alcohol, and cell phone cards were included in the deal,” VOMC explained.
“In keeping with the renegotiation arrangements, two church members met with the abductors to exchange the ransom for Pastor David. Sadly, the transaction abruptly concluded when the armed men called the pastor to come back. As he turned to walk towards them, they shot and killed him,” VOMC added.
In another case, Pastor Joshua Amako Maraya of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Damakasuwa town, Nigeria’s north-west Kaduna State, was “killed, and his wife kidnapped” on November 17, VOMC confirmed.
The murder happened when their home in Damakasuwa was raided by suspected Muslim “terrorists,” also referred to as “bandits,” ECWA Christians said. A nephew of the late pastor, Geoffrey Ruga, told the media that his uncle was “brutally killed in his house.”
In comments shared with Worthy News, a congregation member recounted the words that Pastor Joshua had reportedly preached before his abduction. “Reverend Maraya always encouraged us to preach the Gospel with courage and without reservation. He said: 'The message of the Gospel is for Jesus, so don't fail to preach it because of fear. Preach it, whether they like it or not.'"
RANSOM PAID
The late pastor’s wife was reportedly released last week after a ransom was paid, but more details were not immediately available.
Yet, “Militants from various groups continue to cause havoc in Nigeria, and Christians have frequently been a primary target,” VOMC explained.
Despite ongoing attacks, VOMC's partnering agency, Release International, noted improvements to the nation's security situation during the past year.
“In fact, according to the latest statistical information, incidents of violence and kidnappings have declined in comparison to those that occurred during the first half of the previous year,” the group wrote.
When the Nigerian presidential elections occurred in February of this year, “many human rights experts expressed concerns that it would lead to increased violence due to religious divides in the country,” Release International added.
Yet, thousands of Christians have been killed and kidnapped in previous years, and Nigeria remains among the most violent nations for Christians, caution Christian advocacy groups.