Thirteen young travellers from Cross River State abducted on their way to a Christian conference in Abuja have reportedly been starved and brutalised by their captors, as kidnappers demand N10 million ransom for each victim.
The group was seized eight days ago in Aloma Village, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, while travelling from Calabar to attend an international conference organised by the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide in Kwali.
What began as a religious journey has turned into a distressing ordeal, with families describing worsening conditions in captivity and growing fears for the victims’ survival.
Among those abducted is Evangelist Prince Perfect Bomba, a state evangelist of the church, who was taken alongside 12 others. He is also recognised within the movement as a regional prayer leader and music instructor.
Sources close to the families said the victims have endured severe hardship, including starvation and torture, since their abduction. The N10 million ransom demand per victim has further deepened the crisis for relatives already under emotional and financial strain.
The situation is particularly troubling for Bomba’s family. The young evangelist had recently completed the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Kano State and was awaiting potential employment with the Cross River State Government.
His birthday, due on May 6, is now being marked under captivity, heightening concern among loved ones.
His father, Pastor Bomba, a local chairman of a gospel ministers’ forum in Abi Local Government Area, is among those leading appeals for urgent intervention.
Families and community members have described the incident as a humanitarian emergency, stressing that the victims were travelling for a religious purpose and pose no threat.
The abduction has renewed concerns about insecurity along Nigerian highways, especially for travellers attending religious or non-political events.
Relatives have called on Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu to urgently intervene and liaise with authorities in Kogi State and security agencies to secure the victims’ safe release.
They warn that time is critical as conditions in captivity reportedly deteriorate, urging swift action to prevent further harm.
