Gunmen kidnap pastor’s wife, church member in Nasarawa hours after governor’s aide abduction

‎Unknown assailants kidnapped Mrs. Patience Nasamu, wife of Pastor Samuel Nasamu, and a female church visitor at Agyaragu in Obi Local Government Area on Sunday evening, shortly after abducting a senior government aide in Lafia.
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‎The attack unfolded on Sunday, September 22, 2025, when armed men broke into the Nasamu family compound around 8:15 p.m. Despite initial attempts to force entry failing, the attackers fired warning shots to coerce Mrs. Nasamu into opening the door. Alongside her, a visiting church member was seized and taken away, leaving behind a three-month-old infant.
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‎Pastor Samuel Nasamu recounted how he had stepped out briefly to pray for a sick congregant and was startled when his wife called him in distress, unable to explain the situation. When he returned, both women were missing. Earlier that evening, unfamiliar individuals had been seen patrolling the neighbourhood on motorcycles, raising suspicion before the gunfire erupted.
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‎Following the abduction, police officers arrived promptly, initiating inquiries and urging the community to remain calm. No contact has been made by the kidnappers since then.
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‎This incident coincides with the Saturday night kidnapping of Dr. Muhammed Egye Osolafia, the Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Services to Governor Abdullahi Sule. Dr. Osolafia was abducted at Tudun Amba, Lafia, as he was preparing to enter his home.
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‎The Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, described the events as deeply regrettable. The rising frequency of kidnappings in Lafia and other parts of Nasarawa State persists despite intensified police interventions.
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‎Security analysts link the surge in such crimes to an influx of displaced persons fleeing bandit conflicts in neighboring states and a military crackdown in Benue, which has displaced criminal elements into Nasarawa. Governor Sule recently warned against interference by government officials in the detention of suspected kidnappers, emphasizing the need for stronger security vigilance.
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‎The twin kidnappings have amplified concerns about the security of residents in Nasarawa State.  While community members await assurances of improved safety and the safe return of the victims kidnapped, the Nigerian police force pledges to continue investigation until the perpetrators involved are brought to book.
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