Bishop Gongden Reveals Alleged Kidnap Plot
The Bishop of Jos Anglican Diocese, Ephraim Gongden, has revealed that an alleged kidnapping plot targeting him also placed his wife and the wife of his predecessor, Benjamin Kwashi, at risk.
Gongden said a naval serviceman alerted him to the plan and later assisted security agencies with the investigation.
The police had earlier announced the arrest of suspects over an alleged plot to abduct Esther Gongden and Gloria Kwashi, the wives of the two Anglican bishops.
According to Gongden, the incident came to light on the evening of August 6 when the naval serviceman arrived at the Bishop’s Court in Jos.
The serviceman reportedly requested a meeting with the bishop. During the discussion, he disclosed that someone had approached him to provide a house where Esther Gongden could allegedly be held after her abduction.
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The revelation prompted Gongden to contact the police. At the station, the serviceman reportedly played a recorded conversation linked to the alleged operation.
The recording contained details about the bishop’s residence, vehicles and mobile phones. It also reportedly outlined how members of the family could be overpowered.
Police investigators then used the serviceman to gather further information about the alleged plot. The operation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects.
One of those arrested was identified as Hassan Mijah, a former employee of the Anglican Diocese of Jos. Two military personnel were also taken into custody over the alleged conspiracy.
Gongden said suspicion around Mijah increased after he allegedly placed a phone call while the naval serviceman was giving a statement to senior police officers.
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The bishop later said Mijah told him that he, rather than his wife, was the main target of the alleged plot. On August 8, Gongden and his wife visited Mijah in custody. The visit came two days after the alleged kidnapping plan was uncovered. According to the bishop, Mijah pleaded for forgiveness during the meeting.
Gongden said the family had chosen to forgive him but would not interfere with the legal process.
“Our forgiveness does not mean that the case is ours to take and to handle. The law will take its course,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, confirmed that suspects remained in custody.
Faniyan said investigators would charge those involved to court after completing their investigation.
Source: Premiumtimesng.com
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
