The Anglican Diocese of Jos has noted with deep concern and sadness the circulation of misleading reports and images on social media regarding the recent attempted kidnap of the wife of the incumbent Bishop of the Diocese and the wife of the immediate-past Bishop of the Diocese.
While acknowledging that the attempt is true, we wish to state the following for the records and for the benefit of the general public:
- We condemn in the strongest terms the criminal attempt to kidnap the innocent women, and we are grateful to God and to the security agencies for their swift intervention. We continue to uphold them and their families in prayer.
- It is true that one of the suspects is a person who presents himself as a clergyman – having worked in the Diocese of Jos before he was dismissed in 2022 by the former Bishop of the Diocese. However, we categorically state that:
a. He was NOT reinstated by the present Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos.
b. He is NOT a clergyman in the employment, authority, or jurisdiction of the Anglican Diocese of Jos.
c. The Anglican Diocese of Jos has no working relationship whatsoever with this individual. - It is unfortunate and malicious that the picture of the Rt. Rev. Prof. Ephraim J. Gongden, FSTAN, the incumbent Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos, is being used and circulated in connection with this incident as if he is the suspect.
- To suggest that “the clergyman, Rev. Mijah, is from the Diocese of Jos” and to attach the Bishop’s image to the story amount to deliberate blackmail, wickedness, misrepresentation, and an act of hatred.
5. It is misleading, sad, and unjust that the victim is now being made to look like the criminal. This is a deliberate attempt to damage the image and reputation of the Diocese, the office of the Bishop, and the Church of God.
6. We call on all media houses (electronic and conventional), bloggers, and social media users to desist from spreading unverified information, false images, and defamatory contents.
7. We urge the public to verify facts before sharing. The Church is a house of peace and truth, and we will not allow the name of Christ and His Church to be dragged into criminality.
8. We have reported this misinformation and cyber-bullying to the appropriate security and legal authorities for necessary action.
9. We call on all members of the Diocese and the entire Christian community to remain calm, prayerful, and united. Evil will not have the last word.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – 1 Peter 2:23.
Signed,
Harrison N. Ugwuala Esq.,
Registrar, Anglican Diocese of Jos.
