‘I thought I would be killed,’ kidnap victim narrates ordeal, tasks govt on security

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Following rise in kidnappings targeting worshippers in churches, a kidnap victim has called on government to take urgent and proactive measures against rising insecurity across the country as well as firmer stance against criminals.

Twenty-four-year-old Pelumi Nakeebat Jogunomi, who was abducted in a church at Atan Ota, Ogun State on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m. asked, government to address the rising insecurity, and address the economic hardships fueling these crimes.

Recall that kidnapping in Nigeria has taken a new dimension over the years, transitioning from isolated incidents to mass abductions, targeting attacks on communities, and the involvement of younger perpetrators.

Armed gangs have increasingly targeted places of worship during services in Nigeria over time, kidnapping members for ransom.

Narrating her ordeal, Miss Jogunomi told journalists at the weekend that: “I was in our church at Atan Ota area in Ogun State, Nigeria, on Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m. when bandits launched a deadly attack on the church.

“It was a devastating moment when some members were killed, many were fatally wounded, and some were kidnapped. I was among the members kidnapped by these terrorists.

“We were taken to a destination I cannot identify. The terrorists demanded ransom which was a substantial amount of money before we could gain our freedom. Most of us spent two weeks in captivity before our families could raise the ransom with strong warning not to involve any security agents in which they threatened to kill us if our families informed security agents. I thought I could die before being released.”

She said further that “after the bandits demanded a huge amount of money as ransom for my release, we were tortured and dehumanised, traumatised throughout the period. It was a horrible experience. The kidnappers threatened that they would kill us instantly, if our families informed the police or any security agent.

“We were brutally subjected to all forms of inhuman treatments. These terrorists have taken to attacking churches in Nigeria, may be to abolish not only Christianity, but also Western education.”