Plateau pastor kidnapped found dead, four others killed in attacks

A pastor who was kidnapped with another cleric on the Jos-Bokkos road in Plateau State has been found dead. Four other people were also reportedly killed in different attacks across three local government areas in the state.

These incidents happened between Friday night and Saturday, according to conflict journalist Masara Kim and other news sources.

The late pastor was identified as Hills Emmanuel. He was a former pastor with Dunamis Church and the founder of The Wonderful Grace of God Evangelical Ministry in Bokkos.

Mr Emmanuel and another pastor, Gabriel Dipak from the Christ Apostolic Church, were reportedly taken on Friday while traveling from Jos to Bokkos. They were among nine passengers in a commercial minivan that faced a roadblock on the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos road.

The attackers seized phones and cash from the other passengers before letting them go. The police later recovered the stolen items at the scene.

Mr Emmanuel’s body was reportedly discovered early Saturday near where the kidnapping took place. Mr Dipak was still being held as of midday Saturday. His abductors had reportedly contacted his family, but it was unclear if they asked for a ransom.

Following Mr Emmanuel’s reported killing, there were separate attacks in communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas. Around 9 p.m. on Friday, a woman was reportedly killed in Fang village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area.

Two other people were reportedly killed in Radura village, Fann District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. At least one person was injured in an attack in Chakfem village, Mangu Local Government Area. These separate incidents raise the total death toll to five, including Mr Emmanuel.

Attempts to get independent confirmation of these incidents from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful. The command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, did not answer calls or messages asking for details about the reported abduction, killings, and other attacks as this report was being prepared.

As a result, the details surrounding these incidents, including who carried them out, could not be confirmed by official sources. Reports suggesting that the same group was behind the attacks could not be verified either.

These incidents add to the growing security worries in Plateau State. Communities have continued to face killings and kidnappings despite ongoing security operations.