In a startling twist, the kidnappers who had abducted 30-year-old Pastor Samson Ali in Kaduna State have set him free but held onto the man who delivered the ransom, Yusuf Shehu Ambi.
The PUNCH reported that Pastor Ali, a cleric with the Evangelical Church Winning All, was seized from his residence in Mararaba Aboro, located in the Sanga Local Government Area, on April 8, 2025, barely two weeks after taking up his new post at the church.
Originally demanding a ransom of N100 million, the abductors later settled for an undisclosed amount after negotiations.
Security operatives, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the police, and the Department of State Services, reportedly collaborated in efforts to secure the cleric’s release.
Though Pastor Ali eventually regained his freedom, Ambi, the man who had risked his life to deliver the ransom, was shockingly detained by the kidnappers, who have since made fresh demands.
“The kidnappers released Pastor Ali, but detained the ransom bearer, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, demanding more money or other concessions for his release,” revealed a source closely monitoring the situation.
News of the development has ignited public outcry, especially over the worsening security in Kaduna State.
Social media users and concerned citizens have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to stem the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry.
“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business in Nigeria, and it’s high time the government took decisive action to address this menace,” lamented a concerned citizen.
Attempts to get an official statement from the Kaduna State Police Command proved abortive, as the Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.
Despite the silence from authorities, insider sources confirmed that investigations are in progress to track down the perpetrators and ensure Ambi’s safe return.
Meanwhile, the ECWA community has expressed gratitude for Pastor Ali’s safe return, while continuing to pray fervently for Ambi’s release.
“We are grateful that Pastor Ali has been released, but we are worried about the detention of our brother, Yusuf Shehu Ambi,” a church official said, preferring to remain anonymous.
