Reverend Polycarp Zango, a clergyman of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), Wild Life Park in Jos, Plateau State has regained his freedom from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents.
Zango was kidnapped by the insurgents on October 19, while on a journey to a Ministers’ conference in Gombe.
Boko Haram released a video clip, confirming that the cleric was in their custody.
While speculations went round about him being captured in Maiduguri, the Rev. said that he was kidnapped on his way to Gombe and not Maiduguri. He stated that two other women were captured with him.
In footage that went viral on the 29th of October 2020, the pastor has appealed to the Plateau State Government, The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and his church to negotiate for his release, though not much was done since last year.
“They also captured two Christian women who are here with me. I’m appealing that you all do all that is possible to secure our release from captivity.” He said.
He was kidnapped by the ISWAP faction of Boko Haram insurgents that calls itself the Khilafa.
However, reports have surfaced stating how the man of God was able to regain his freedom from his captor’s den, it revealed that the Christian clergyman was able to regain his freedom through the efforts of Amb. Ummu Kalthum Muhammad, Chairperson and Founder of Kalthum Foundation for Peace.
Though efforts to reach her has proven abortive, Mr Bulama Mohammed, the Executive Director of the Kalthum Foundation for Peace has confirmed the story to newsmen.
According to him, the NGO has been working behind the scenes since January when the pastor was held in captivity, he said they have put in great efforts to get the Reverend and other hostages released.
Mr Bulama stated that no ransom was paid to get the clergyman freed. “To the best of my knowledge, no ransom was paid to get the clergyman released. You can confirm this from his family and his church.
“All I can say is that John Pofi Foundation encouraged and even pressurized KFP to get the Reverend released because he was critically ill,” said Mohammed.
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