A clergyman, Polycarp Zango, of the Church of Christ in Nigeria, COCIN, Wild Life Park in Jos, Plateau State has regained his freedom from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents after about 8 months.
Zongo who was abducted along the Bauchi-Gombe Road in October 19 last year, was released on Monday along with some aid workers and other hostages in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria. He was abducted by the ISWAP faction of Boko Haram terrorist group that calls its self the Khila.
Also Read: Kidnapped Plateau pastor appeals for help
A video of the clergyman appealing to the Plateau State Government and the COCIN church to negotiate for his freedom was released a week earlier, but before negotiations could start, some people from unknown sources claimed that he had been released.
His release was confirmed by the Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang, who is expected to recieve him on Tuesday, June 15.
However, a Living Faith pastor, John Pofi who was part of negotiations for Zongo’s release, said he spoke with Zongo “at length” immediately after he was released.
In November 2020, President of COCIN, Reverend Professor Dacholom Datiri said the terrorists had demanded an “unbearable” ransom for his release. A source in the Department of State Services however said negotiations continued with an unnamed non-governmental organisation facilitating the talks.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
