Mathias Family Petitions IGP Over Abducted Daughters, Decries Neglect
By our correspondent
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Yobe State has alleged that about 30 Christian teenage girls have been abducted by an Islamic jihadist group linked to the Islamic Religious Affairs Ministry in Damaturu, the state capital. These allegations have sparked concerns in the northeastern part of Nigeria.
Musa Mathias, a member of the family of the late Bayaro Mathias, who reportedly died after hearing the shocking news of his daughters’ abduction in 2019, has also raised concerns. He claims that two of his daughters, who were found in the Emir’s palace, have yet to be released, despite numerous petitions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja.
Rev. Ibrahim Kure Abagu, CAN Secretary in Yobe State, confirmed to our correspondent that there are currently 30 cases of abducted Christian girls being investigated by the police in the state. He specifically mentioned the case of Rejoice Markus, who, along with other girls, was allegedly abducted by a group under the “Ministry of Islamic Religious Affairs.”
One of the abducted girls, Rejoice Markus, was reportedly rescued from the Emir’s palace in Damaturu and taken to an Anglican Church for deliverance. During this process, she allegedly expelled various substances believed to be Islamic “satanic concoctions” given to her.
Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, Director General of the Centre for Justice on Religious and Ethnic Issues in Nigeria, further alleged that some victims’ placentas were used in rituals. Bishop Audu Yohanna, CAN Chairman in Yobe State, corroborated these claims, stating that he witnessed Rejoice Markus vomiting during prayers in his church office.
In a detailed statement, Rev. Ali Dikwa, a Borno-born Kanuri, accused the Muslim community in Northern Nigeria of working in unison to promote Islam through jihad, including the abduction and forced conversion of underage Christian girls. He cited cases of several other girls, including Elizabeth Bitrus, Deborah Yusuf, and Damarin Paul, who reportedly experienced similar ordeals.
The statement, titled “Injustice and Impunity: The Failure of Authorities to Address the Abduction of Christian Girls in Northern Nigeria,” called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the abductions. It also warned that if the abducted girls are not released within 48 hours, Christian youths may be forced to take action.
Rev. Abagu also highlighted the challenges faced in rescuing the abducted girls. He mentioned a specific case involving Faith Timothy, a girl from Kaduna State living with her aunt in Yobe State. Despite her family’s attempts to rescue her from the Emir’s palace, she was reportedly forced to remain there after expressing a desire to convert to Islam.
The CAN Secretary expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the police and other authorities. He noted that despite submitting formal complaints to the DSS and other security agencies, little has been done to address the situation.
The situation remains tense, with concerns growing over the safety and well-being of the abducted girls. The Christian community in Yobe State continues to call for immediate action to secure their release and protect other potential victims from similar fates.
