Gov. Lalong rejoices with Rev. Zongo, released by ISWAP, as wife births a boy

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed joy over the release of Rev. Polycarp Zongo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Wild Life Park, Jos who was abducted by insurgents last year October.

Zongo’s release coincided with the birth of a baby boy by his wife.

Lalong said the release of the clergyman and other abductees is an answer to the prayers of the Church and other people of goodwill which affirms that God does not abandon his people even at difficult moments.

He praised all those who played various roles in facilitating the release of the clergyman, as well as thosea who showed concern to the family and the Church, saying this is the solidarity and humanity that is needed to overcome the insecurity and intolerance in the country.

Lalong wished Rev. Zango well as he recuperates from the emotional and physical trauma he has undergone. He also urges him to remain strong and use his ordeal to encourage and motivate the people towards trust in God and respect for humanity.

He sent his special goodwill to the  family of Rev. Zongo, the COCIN family and its President, Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri, urging them to continue to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation and intercede for other people in similar circumstances, as well as uphold the security agencies in prayers as they continue to battle the insurgents.

Recall that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released several humanitarian workers and civilians abducted during attacks in Northeast Nigeria, according to online newspaper, HuMangle.

The aid workers and Rev. Zongon were freed by the group on Monday alongside other civilian captives, after negotiations.

Others released included a staff of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees abducted along the Damaturu-Maiduguri road in January; Barka Wasinda, a former staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority and some aid workers abducted from a facility in Dikwa in March.

Dikwa, which lies about 90 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, was targeted in a series of attacks in March, April and May, and recently in June.

During the attack in March, the terror group overran the town, destroyed support facilities, including a primary health care centre, and also laid siege at the United Nations humanitarian hub, which forced aid workers to seek shelter in a bunker.

The United Nations suspended operations in response to the attacks on humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak, affecting humanitarian assets and personnel.

More than 37,000 people have been killed, and millions have been displaced by the Boko Haram conflict, according to the Council on Foreign Relations’ security tracker.