04/13/2021 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Reverend Yohanna Gyang Bitrus of Shiyona Baptist Church was abducted last month when gunmen stormed his house and whisked him away to the Zamfara forest.

According to the Sun News online, the abductors originally demanded N5 million, but have increased the number to N10 million (over $26,000) this past Monday.

State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Reverend Mathias Echioda, confirmed the story to the Sun News, stating: “We are praying for his release safely.”

The incident, occurring in the Tegina, Rafi Local Government area of Niger State, has left family members devastated and searching for ways to raise the large sum of money for the pastor’s release.

Nigeria is nearly split equally between Muslims and Christians. The northern half however is vastly Muslim, including 12 states where Sharia is law. Niger State is one of these states. Please pray for Reverend Yohanna Gyang Bitrus, that the Lord protects him in his captivity and enables him to safely return to his family. Please also pray for the Reverends captors, that they will come to know the love of Jesus and turn away from evil.

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