Boko Haram releases kidnapped pastor in Borno

Terrorist group Boko Haram has on Wednesday released Pastor Bulus Yikura who was abducted and initially billed to be executed on March 4.
Mr. Yikura was released Wednesday evening.
The victim was seen being driven to the office of the State Security Service in Borno State around 6:15 p.m.
Responding to questions on his freedom, Mr. Yikura repeatedly said, “I thank God, I thank God.”
The dreaded terror group had last week released a video of the pastor appealing to the federal government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for his release as the group had threatened to kill him by the end of the week.
The EYN pastor who could be seen on his knees with a man in a mask standing behind him and holding a dagger, said he had until today before he could be free or be killed.
The 7 day ultimatum for his execution began from February 24 to March 4.
In the video, the pastor said, “I have been given only seven days to appeal for assistance that will help me out of this torture.
“If truly you want to rescue me from this untold suffering and threat to life, then you have to act fast.
“I am also calling on the EYN president to help mobilise help that will rescue me, and also pray for me so that God will make things easy for me here,” he appealed in the video.
Negotiations had been taking place between the religious sect, the family members and the EYN church to secure his release, Premium Times reported.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”

Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.

States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.

NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.

Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.





