The family of Reverend Bitrus Yahi, a pastor with the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), is once again pleading with President Bola Tinubu’s government and compassionate Nigerians to help secure his release from Boko Haram captivity.
Reverend Yahi was kidnapped on April 18, 2014, between Gwoza and Pulka, and has now spent over 10 years and 8 months in captivity.
He was abducted in the same month as the infamous Chibok schoolgirls, many of whom have been rescued, though some remain with the insurgents.
Initially captured alongside his wife, who was later freed, Reverend Yahi, a native of Chibok in Borno State, remains in captivity.
Recent reports from some Chibok girls who escaped Sambisa Forest in 2023 confirm that the pastor is still alive.
The family on Tuesday has appealed directly to Boko Haram to release him, even expressing willingness to pay a ransom if necessary. They have also urged the government and Nigerians to intervene on their behalf.
A family member said, “In 2023, some of the Chibok girls who escaped informed us that Reverend Bitrus is still alive. We appeal to the Borno State Government, the Federal Government, and Nigerians to help us convince Boko Haram to release him. If they want money, they should let us know, and we will do our best to raise it.”
The family highlighted Reverend Yahi’s dedication, noting that he had been serving the EYN Church since 1987 and was leading a church in Bala, Gwoza, before his abduction.
He is now an elderly man with eight children two daughters and six sons—who have spent over a decade without their father.
The family hopes their plea will resonate with those in power and with the public, emphasizing the need to bring Reverend Yahi home.
