By Frank Ulom
Thirteen (13) young Cross Riverians abducted while travelling to a Christian conference in Abuja have reportedly been starved and brutalised by their captors, who are demanding ₦10 million ransom for each victim, as families make an urgent appeal for intervention by Governor Bassey Otu.
The victims were kidnapped eight days ago in Aloma Village, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, while en route from Calabar to attend an international conference organised by the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide in Kwali.
What began as a faith-driven journey has since descended into a distressing ordeal marked by fear, uncertainty, and deteriorating hope.
Among those abducted is Evangelist Prince Perfect Bomba, the Cross River State Evangelist of the Holiness Revival Movement, who was taken alongside 12 others. Described as a devoted minister and seasoned music instructor, he also serves as a South South Regional Prayer Warrior within the movement.
Sources close to the families disclosed that the victims have been subjected to severe hardship, including starvation and torture, since their abduction. The kidnappers’ demand of ₦10 million per victim has compounded the anguish of relatives already grappling with emotional and financial strain.
Evangelist Bomba’s personal circumstances have intensified the tragedy. Having recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kano State, he was awaiting possible employment with the Cross River State Government. A native of Itigidi in Abi Local Government Area, he is widely described as humble, disciplined, and deeply committed to his faith.
His birthday, due on the 6th of this month, now approaches under grim conditions in captivity, rather than in celebration with family and friends.
At the centre of the emotional turmoil is his father, Pastor Bomba, who serves as Chairman of the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers Forum (CRSIGM) in Abi Local Government Area. Known for offering spiritual guidance to others, the cleric now faces a deeply personal crisis involving the safety of his son and the other abducted youths.
Family members and concerned stakeholders have described the situation as a humanitarian emergency, stressing that the victims are innocent citizens whose only mission was to attend a religious gathering.
“This is no longer just about one family; it is about 13 young lives and the broader question of safety for Nigerians travelling across the country,” a family source stated.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly for individuals travelling for non-political and religious purposes.
Families have called on Governor Bassey Edet Otu to urgently intervene by engaging with the Kogi State Government and relevant security agencies to secure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.
They warned that time is critical, noting that each passing day increases the risk to the victims’ health and survival.
Beyond government intervention, appeals have also been extended to religious organisations, civil society groups, and the general public to support efforts through advocacy and prayers.
As anxiety deepens among relatives and communities, the fate of the 13 young Cross Riverians remains uncertain, with growing calls for swift action to prevent another tragic outcome.
