Source: www.persecution.org
Date: July 12, 2024
Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — In February, Islamic extremists abducted two Christian siblings in Nigeria. Although they released the young boy after two weeks, his teenage sister remains in captivity.
The two extremists abducted 7-year-old Isaac and 15-year-old Adanna from their grandmother’s home, where they lived.
According to Adanna’s attorney, Abishag Sambo, the extremists threatened to hurt Adanna if she did not comply. One of her kidnappers told her he would burn her grandmother’s house down if she and her brother did not go with them.
The children’s grandmother realized what was happening but, after the kidnappers threatened her, was unable to save the children. Sambo explained that the men “warned [the grandmother] to be quiet, and they overpowered her and took [the children].”
Once the abductors had the children in their custody, they changed their names. Isaac became Rashid, and Adanna became Fatima.
A police report was filed, and after some negotiations, the boy was returned. His sister, however, was forced to marry a Muslim man and convert to Islam.
Sambo said Adanna was active in her church and loved singing in the choir before her abduction. Now, Sambo said she worries that Adanna is overwhelmed with fear.
“Being a minor, a young child … she will not be able to stand her ground because of the fear [and] threat to her life,” Sambo added.
Sambo explained that Muslim extremists employ abusive tactics when abducting children in Nigeria.
“They take people’s children, keep them for a week or so, they indoctrinate them, they brainwash them, they tell them … Quranic citations,” she said. “And sometimes they use threats, too. They threaten the child [saying] that … [if] you say that you want to go back to your parent[s], we will come back in the night and kill you and kill your parents.”
Forced abductions and attacks by Islamic militants have become increasingly common in Nigeria.
Adanna’s case is still unfolding, and despite many obstacles, Sambo continues to fight for her release. She perseveres, hoping that the teenage girl will be released one day soon.
*The children’s names have been changed for their protection
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for Adanna’s immediate, safe return home. Pray for protection for her brother and grandmother. Pray for her kidnappers to radically come to know Christ.