Pastor Kingsley Anosike of Light Intercessors Church, along with three other clerics, has reportedly been released from captivity. The pastors were kidnapped on August 2, 2024, during a midnight program at the church’s branch on Chimezie Street, Ebelu axis of Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The group, which included three clerics associated with Bishop Blessed Moses Uzodimma of Endtime Fire Intercessory Ministries, was held for five days before their freedom was secured on Wednesday evening. A church member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the release but did not disclose whether a ransom was paid.
The kidnappers, suspected to be herders dressed in military camouflage, invaded the church around 3 a.m. on August 2, 2024. They fired sporadically for about 20 minutes before targeting Bishop Uzodimma, who was preaching at the time. Remarkably, Uzodimma escaped unharmed, leaving the gunmen frustrated.
In retaliation, the gunmen abducted Pastor Anosike and the three other ministers. Following the kidnapping, the perpetrators demanded an initial ransom of N100 million, which was later reduced to N20 million. It remains unclear if the ransom was paid before the release of the captives.
One church worker from Endtime Fire Intercessory Ministries, injured by a gunshot, was hospitalized after police intervention. The State Police Command had not confirmed the incident at the time of reporting.
