Kidnapped Christian Worker Miraculously Freed
A Christian ministry worker abducted in northwest Nigeria on May 21 has been released, while a second remains in captivity, according to ministry leaders.
Ojo John and Silvanus Abu, who serve with Nupe Missions, were kidnapped late at night from their post among the mostly Muslim Zabarmawa community in Kebbi state. Moses Solomon, a leader with the Nigerian-based ministry, confirmed on May 27 that John—also known as Mallam Yahaya—was freed and is now safe.
“At 8:09 a.m. today, we received a call from Sokoto state—it was Mallam Yahaya,” Solomon announced in a prayer update. “He is alive, released, and en route to safety. We give glory to God for this deliverance.”
However, 26-year-old Silvanus Abu, known as Mallam Abu, remains in the hands of his captors.
“We rejoice with caution, continuing to pray fervently for Mallam Abu’s release,” Solomon said. “This partial breakthrough strengthens our faith that God will finish what He has started.”
No details were provided about the circumstances surrounding John’s release. Both missionaries are Nigerian nationals—John hails from Kogi state, while Abu is from Niger state.
The pair were last seen after leading a discipleship class on May 21. Two days later, Solomon shared that the ministry received a threatening phone call from the abductors warning them to stop searching, stating ominously that the two men were not in good condition.
John and Abu have devoted themselves to ministering in remote regions, seeking to share the message of Christ with communities unfamiliar with Christianity, Solomon said.
“Our confidence remains in the Lord,” he stated. “We appeal to Christians around the world to intercede for the safe return of Mallam Abu.”
The Zabarmawa, also known as the Zarma, are predominantly Muslim with strong influences of traditional animism. Only a small fraction—around 3%—identify as Christian, according to the Joshua Project. Many local beliefs involve spirit worship, magic, and priest-led rituals based on spirit possession.
Solomon urged believers to pray using scriptures like Psalm 91 and Isaiah 43 and to ask for wisdom for all involved in the recovery effort, including a change of heart for the captors.
Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and central regions, face intense persecution from extremist groups, including Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and ISWAP. The country remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, according to the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors.
Of the 4,476 Christians reportedly killed for their faith globally in the past year, 3,100—nearly 70%—were in Nigeria. In addition to killings, kidnappings for ransom, assaults on villages, and targeted sexual violence have become increasingly common.
The violence has also spread southward, with the rise of a jihadist faction known as Lakurawa in the northwest. This group, armed with advanced weapons, is affiliated with JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked insurgency originating from Mali.
Nigeria is ranked seventh on the 2025 list of the top 50 countries where Christians suffer the most persecution.