Breastfeeding mother kidnapped in Nasarawa as pastor’s family targeted

A pastor’s wife and a female church member have been abducted by gunmen in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, in what residents are calling a deeply worrying escalation in local kidnappings.

Mrs Patience Nasamu, the wife of Pastor Samuel Nasamu of the Word of God Church, was taken on Sunday night alongside a female visitor who had come to their home following a church service. Mrs Nasamu is currently nursing a three-month-old baby, who was left behind during the abduction.

Recounting the harrowing experience, Pastor Nasamu said he had briefly left his home to pray for a sick church member when he received a call from his wife. “All I could hear was her praying – she couldn’t even tell me what was happening,” he said.

Upon rushing home, he discovered his wife and the visitor had been taken. According to his account, the attackers forcibly entered the compound and attempted to break down the doors and windows with hammers. When they failed, they began firing sporadically, prompting his wife to open the door in fear – at which point both women were seized.

He said that around 7pm, several unidentified individuals were seen moving through the area on motorcycles. The kidnapping occurred around 8:15pm.

No contact has yet been made by the kidnappers. The police have since visited the scene and assured residents that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible.

Local residents say the incident highlights a wider security crisis in the area. A community member, who asked not to be named, said: “We live in fear every day. Kidnappings happen regularly here – even farmers are being targeted. Agyaragu is at the mercy of kidnappers. We are pleading with Governor Abdullahi Sule to take urgent action.”