By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
What began as a journey of faith has turned into a nightmare of anguish, fear, and desperate hope.
For eight harrowing days, thirteen young Cross Riverians, vibrant, hopeful, and committed to service, have been held captive by ruthless bandits in Aloma Village, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Their only “crime” was embarking on a spiritual mission: travelling from Calabar to Abuja to attend an international conference organised by the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide in Kwali.
At the centre of this tragedy is Evangelist Prince Perfect Bomba, a devoted servant of God and the State Evangelist of the Holiness Revival Movement in Cross River State, who was abducted alongside 12 other young Cross Riverians. Known for his passion as a seasoned music instructor and a committed South-South Regional Prayer Warrior, Perfect represents the very essence of youth dedication to faith and humanity.
READ ALSO: Metering, over billing constitute bulk of 708,000 electricity complaints – Report
His story is particularly heartbreaking.
Fresh from completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kano State, Evangelist Perfect stood at the threshold of a promising future, awaiting employment from the Cross River State Government. A native of Itigidi in Abi Local Government Area, he is described by those who know him as humble, disciplined, and deeply spiritual. His birthday falls on the 6th of this month, a day that should have been marked by celebration, gratitude, and hope. Instead, it looms ominously in captivity, under the shadow of violence and uncertainty.
The abductors have demanded a staggering ransom of N10 million per victim, placing an unbearable burden on families already traumatised by the ordeal. Reports from close sources paint a grim picture: the victims have been starved, tortured, and subjected to inhumane conditions over the past eight days.
At the heart of this pain is Pastor Bomba, Perfect’s father, who also serves as the Abi Local Government Chairman of the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum. A man who has spent his life ministering hope to others is now confronted with a deeply personal crisis, the possible loss of his son and twelve other young lives.
This is no longer just a family tragedy; it is a humanitarian emergency.
These thirteen young individuals are not criminals, nor are they political actors. They are citizens driven by faith, unity, and purpose. Their continued captivity raises urgent questions about the safety of Nigerians travelling across the country, even for religious gatherings.
The silence must be broken.
There is an urgent need for swift and decisive intervention from the Cross River State Government. Families, friends, and well-wishers are calling on His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to act immediately, to help liaise with his Kogi State counterpart and ensure the safe and unconditional release of Evangelist Prince Perfect Bomba and the 12 other young Cross Riverians.
Time is not on their side.
Every passing hour deepens the trauma, weakens their bodies, and dims the hope of survival. The cost of inaction could be irreversible.
Beyond government action, this is also a moment for collective humanity. Religious bodies, civil society organisations, and compassionate Nigerians must rise in solidarity, through advocacy, support, and fervent prayers. In times like this, silence is complicity, and indifference is dangerous.
As the days stretch on, one question echoes across homes and hearts: will these young lives be rescued, or will they become another tragic statistic?
The answer lies in the urgency of our response.
Let us act, and act now.
