Security

Wife, family of Kidnapped COCIN Cleric “devastated” as ISWAP demands “unaffordable” ransom

Rev. Zongo had been held captive since October 19, 2020

By Joel Gomiyar

The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) says it cannot afford the ransom demanded by ISWAP, the supposed abductors of its Pastor, Rev. Polycarp Zongo.

The President of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri on Tuesday at the 2020 General Church Council of COCIN said the Church cannot raise the demanded amount “even in a year”.

Datiri appealed to Government to assist in rescuing the Pastor, saying the wife and family of the hostage are “terribly devastated”.

Rev. Zongo, the Pastor of COCIN Wild Life Park, Jos, was kidnapped along Jos – Gombe road on October 19, 2020 and has remained in captivity ever since.

Only a video of him soliciting for help has been released with no information about his whereabouts.

He was once rumoured to have been released, causing all-night jubilations in his house.

The Church has held series of prayers for his release, while seeking sources with links to the terrorists for talks.