Gunmen who abducted retired Reverend Filibus Bamai of the ECWA Church in Matuak Rimi, Moro’a Chiefdom, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have demanded a ransom of N1 million for his release.

A source close to the church disclosed this on Tuesday.

Rev. Bamai, who retired from service on December 17 upon reaching the age of 65, was reportedly taken from his home in the early hours of Sunday at 12:50 a.m.

During the abduction, the cleric was wearing only boxers, while his wife suffered severe beatings, including a head injury and bruises on her back.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N5 million for the release of Rev. Bamai.

However, by Monday, they had reduced the ransom to N1 million. The source mentioned that approximately N300,000 has been mobilized so far to meet the kidnappers’ demand.

Expressing concern over the growing incidents of kidnappings, a local cleric called on security agencies to enhance security measures in the area to safeguard lives and property.

In a recent incident, a well-known farmer in Pari village, Mr. Sunday Bage, Chawai chiefdom, Kauru Local Government of Kaduna State, was kidnapped along with his wife, Listu, just a week ago.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, mentioned that he would call the District Police Officer in the area but had not yet returned the call at the time of reporting.

NAN