Thirteen Abducted Young Cross Riverians Abuja-bound Kidnap Ordeal Arrive Home Monday as Media Houses, Clergy and Cross Riverians Are Invited to Special Thanksgiving Service for Their Safe Return
By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
After enduring fourteen harrowing days in captivity at the hands of armed bandits, the thirteen Cross Riverians who were abducted while travelling to Abuja for the International Women Conference organised by the Holiness Revival Movement World-Wide have finally regained their freedom.
The victims, who were kidnapped en route to the conference scheduled to hold between 29 April and 1 May, 2026, at Kwali, Abuja, were released on Friday, 8 May, after the abductors reportedly received millions of naira as ransom.
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Following their release, the traumatised victims were immediately taken to Holistic Hospital, Kwali, at the International Headquarters of the Holiness Revival Movement World-Wide for urgent medical examination and treatment to ascertain their physical and emotional condition after the prolonged ordeal.
In an atmosphere filled with gratitude and emotional relief, a special thanksgiving session was also organised in their honour at the church’s International Headquarters, where prayers and praises were offered to God for preserving their lives despite the terrifying experience.
The freed Cross Riverians are expected to arrive in Calabar on Monday, 11 May, through the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, where family members, church faithful, sympathisers and concerned citizens are expected to gather to receive them warmly.
From the airport, the victims and their entourage will proceed to the College of Health Technology Auditorium, Calabar, where a grand Thanksgiving Service has been scheduled to hold by 11:00 a.m.
The event is expected to draw religious leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, humanitarian groups and members of the public who have followed the painful story with deep concern since news of the abduction broke.
Organisers of the thanksgiving programme have extended an open invitation to all Cross Riverians, Christian faithful and residents of the state to come out en masse to welcome the survivors home and join in appreciating God for sparing their lives.
Media organisations across the state and beyond have also been invited to cover the historic and emotional gathering, which is expected to serve both as a moment of thanksgiving and a renewed call for improved security across the country’s highways.
The abduction of the thirteen travellers had sparked widespread anxiety and prayers across Cross River State and among members of the Holiness Revival Movement World-Wide, with many calling for urgent intervention to secure their release.
Their freedom after two painful weeks in captivity has now brought relief, renewed hope and celebration among relatives, friends and well-wishers who never ceased praying for their safe return.
Members of the public are therefore encouraged to be part of the thanksgiving and reception programme as the state joins the survivors and their families in giving thanks to God for His protection, mercy and preservation.
