11/26/2024 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — Communities of Christians in Northern Nigeria are coming together in prayer and seeking support as they address the growing issue of violent kidnappings.

Islamic Fulani extremists and other groups are increasingly abducting Christians and demanding significant ransoms, putting immense pressure on families and local communities. In response, Christians are raising awareness of the abductions in Kaduna and Niger states and mobilizing assistance for those affected.

According to Truth Nigeria, the family of Emmanuel Nyasom, Jr., 54, is seeking help after kidnappers increased their ransom demand to 90 million Naira (about $53,000). Nyasom, a contractor and father of eight, was taken on Oct. 31 near Kontagora as he harvested his farm.

Initially, Nyasom’s family managed to pay 10 million Naira (about $5,900) to secure his safety. Still, the kidnappers raised their demands, calling for an additional 90 million Naira and 10 motorcycles valued at 2.5 million Naira each (about $1,500).
Considering the distressing situation, the Rev. A.D. Adamu, Nyasom’s nephew and an associate pastor in Ohio, expressed the emotional toll on the family.

“The kidnappers’ renewed communication with significantly increased demands has been heartbreaking, especially given the current economic challenges,” he stated.

This crisis goes beyond financial concerns, as evidenced by troubling incidents such as the recent abduction of a 10-year-old Christian girl in Katsina state. Her family is struggling to meet the revised ransom demand of 1 million Naira (around $600). The Muslim extremists have threatened to sell the girl if her family cannot meet their demands.

Local sources indicated that the government has largely refrained from paying ransoms for Christians, leaving families at the mercy of organized crime. Even more alarming, many kidnappers openly advertise their actions on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Despite this, they are not brought to justice.

The Nigerian military has reportedly traced the kidnappers’ phone signals to a remote region between Kebbi and Zamfara states, known for bandit activities, but authorities have not taken further action.

“We remain hopeful that the authorities will take swift action,” said Monday Dube Dyachim, Nyasom’s cousin. “This situation is critical — it’s about saving lives and ensuring safety, beyond just negotiating ransoms.”

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