In a recent unsettling event, gunmen abducted Pastor Usman Umaru in the Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Umaru, affiliated with the Evangelical Church Winning All, was taken along with two other individuals during an early morning raid on his church in the Maigemu community.
Michael Madaki, a youth leader from Maigemu, verified the incident. He mentioned that security forces, including the special task force Operation Safe Haven and local vigilantes, have been scouring the area in hopes of rescuing the victims since the abduction.
The Plateau State Police Commandโs spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, was unreachable for comments.
Editorial:
The abduction of Pastor Usman Umaru and two others in Plateau State is a grim reminder of the security challenges facing many parts of Nigeria. Such incidents disrupt the peace and harmony of communities and instil fear among residents.
The government and security agencies must intensify their efforts to ensure the safety of citizens. The rise in kidnapping incidents, especially targeting religious leaders, calls for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes and bring perpetrators to justice.
Collaborative efforts between local communities and security agencies can play a pivotal role in curbing such incidents.
Did You Know?
- Plateau State, located in Nigeriaโs Middle Belt, is known for its diverse culture and rich history.
- The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has its roots in the Sudan Interior Mission, which began its work in Nigeria in 1893.
- Over the past decade, kidnapping for ransom has become a significant security concern in various parts of Nigeria.
- Local communities often form vigilante groups to supplement official security forces to maintain peace.
- Collaborative efforts between communities and security agencies have proven effective in some regions in curbing crime.
