Reverend Bitrus Yahi Marks Over 10 Years in Boko Haram Captivity, Family Appeals for His Release

The family of Reverend Bitrus Yahi, a pastor with the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), has made a renewed plea to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and compassionate Nigerians to intervene and help secure his release. Reverend Yahi has spent more than a decade—10 years and 8 months—in Boko Haram captivity after being kidnapped on April 18, 2014, along the Gwoza-Pulka road.

The abduction happened in the same month as the notorious kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls. While some of the girls have been rescued, others remain in captivity alongside Reverend Yahi. Initially, he was abducted alongside his wife, who was later released, but the pastor, a native of Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State, remains held by the insurgents.

Family’s Renewed Hope and Appeal

The family’s fresh appeal follows reports from some of the escaped Chibok girls in 2023, who confirmed that Reverend Yahi is still alive. A family source told Chronicles Reporters on Tuesday that they are willing to negotiate with the insurgents if it means securing his release.

“As of 2023, some of the Chibok girls who escaped from Sambisa Forest informed us that Reverend Yahi is still alive. We are pleading with the Borno State Government, the Federal Government, and all concerned Nigerians to appeal to Jamaat Ahlul Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (Boko Haram) to release him,” the source said.

The family expressed their desperation, indicating their readiness to pay a ransom if required. They called on the government and the public to amplify Reverend Yahi’s plight and help bring him home.

A Family’s Struggle

The family’s statement further highlighted the pastor’s long-standing dedication to his church and community: “He has been with EYN since 1987 and was pastoring the EYN Church LCC in Bala, Gwoza, before his abduction. He is an elderly man with eight children—two daughters and six sons—who have endured this pain for over a decade. We plead with all who can help to act swiftly.”

Call for Government and Public Action

The family’s emotional plea is a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by families of those abducted by insurgents. Reverend Yahi’s case adds to the many unresolved abduction cases in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for stronger government intervention.

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