Bandits demand N50 million to free RCCG prayer warriors

The suspected bandits who kidnapped eight members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Kaduna state have established contact with the leadership of the church in the state, the denomination said.

The kidnappers, according to RCCG, are demanding N50 million ransom before they will release their victims.

This was disclosed by the public relations officer of RCCG in Kaduna province, Alao Joseph.

The church members were kidnapped by the bandits at about 7pm on Friday night along Kachia road, Joseph told Channels TV.

He said that the bandits took away the church members to an unknown destination while the bus which they were travelling with was abandoned by the roadside.

The abducted RCCG members were on their way to a prayer programme, reports said. Others reports said they are prayer warriors.

Joseph added that RCCG has contacted the security agencies over the incident with the hope that they will help in securing the immediate rescue of the eight church members.

Meanwhile, the police authorities in Kaduna state have confirmed the abduction of the RCCG members on Friday night.

Police spokesman Mohammed Jalige said the command is working closely with the leadership of the church in the state to ascertain the actual number of those that were abducted.

He added that police operatives have launched a manhunt with a view to arresting the criminals and rescuing the victims alive.