Church Times: Another gang attack on Nigerian bishop’s family

Posted by Kendall Harmon

THE BISHOP of Jos, Nigeria, the Rt Revd Benjamin Kwashi, was frogmarched out of his house at knifepoint and gunpoint on Tuesday, by a gang who threatened him with murder and beat up his teenage son, Rinji. They ransacked the house and stole what was initially estimated at about £3000-worth of possessions, including a laptop and mobile phones.

The gang overpowered the two security guards at the gates of the Bishop’s compound and locked up the four domestic staff. It is the second attack on the Bishop’s household in 18 months. In February 2006, in his absence from home, a gang beat up Bishop Kwashi’s wife, Gloria, and left her temporarily blinded (News, 24 February 2006).

The Bishop said on Wednesday morning: “The shock has gone, but now the reality is dawning, and we are discovering what was lost and what was destroyed. It is more than we thought — terrible. But we thank the Lord for life. I never thought that someone would negotiate my life so cheaply,” he said.

The attack was calculated and deliberate. “They came with ladders, a hacksaw, a sledgehammer, diggers — they came to remove the door. No ordinary thief who wants to steal would collect the stuff that way.”

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of Nigeria

4 Comments
Posted July 27, 2007 at 6:33 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. KAR wrote:

Oh Lord, please sent your angels to guard this man and his family, please bind their wounds and reassure them of your grace and power.

July 27, 7:19 am | [comment link]
2. JAC+ wrote:

Amen.

July 27, 11:06 am | [comment link]
3. Paula Loughlin wrote:

I add my voice to the prayer of KAR above.  Lord protect your servant against all who wish him harm.  Both physical and spiritual.  Against spiritual enemies I pray to SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..

July 27, 12:38 pm | [comment link]
4. Alice Linsley wrote:

Lord, have mercy upon Bishop Kwashi and his family and all around him.  Give your angels charge over them to keep them safe.

July 27, 3:41 pm | [comment link]
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