By Bello Adisa and Iliya Kure
Kaduna (Nigeria) — Rev. Iliya Anto, one of the three Church leaders kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Kaduna last week, has been reportedly found dead – but the two others, Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau and Rev. Yakubu Dzarma, regained their freedom.
Reverend Anto, until his death, was the Vice President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, also known as HEKAN.
AFRICA PRIME NEWS gathered that late Reverend Anto was initially released by the kidnappers, who asked his [Reverend’s] people to come and pick him at a certain location.
The kidnappers were thought to have changed their mind, and left with him, when they sighted a large number of people coming to pick the clergy.
He was never seen again, until when his decomposing body was found Wednesday evening.
General Secretary of the HEKAN, Reverend Jibrailu Wobiya who confirmed the release said, “HEKAN President, Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau and Rev. Yakubu Dzarma were freed by their kidnappers Wednesday evening and were receiving treatment in an undisclosed Hospital in Kaduna.”
The three HEKAN pastors were kidnapped by unknown gunmen at the Proposed HEKAN crusade ground along Kaduna – Abuja Road on Monday 21st March 2016.
The kidnappers had earlier demanded N100 million ransom, but it is not immediately clear whether the ransom had been paid.
Nigeria police had confirmed receiving report of the kidnap of the clergymen.
Spokesman of Nigerian Police in Kaduna, DSP Abdullahi Zubairu told AFRICA PRIME NEWS “we received a report of the kidnap and have already sent our men into the surrounding bush where the kidnap took place. As I speak with you, our officers from Abuja and Kaduna are in the area conducting search to rescue this people safe.”
