Jos bishop's diocese disowns ex-employee linked to alleged kidnapping plot

The Anglican Diocese of Jos has issued a statement to disassociate itself from a former employee implicated in an alleged plot to kidnap the wives of the current and immediate-past bishops. The diocese confirmed that security agencies intervened and thwarted the plan before it could be executed.

“

He was NOT reinstated by the present Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos.

Harrison Ugwuala, the Registrar of the Anglican Diocese of Jos, released a statement on Tuesday to address circulating reports and social media posts that linked the principal suspect to the current diocesan administration. The diocese emphasized that the suspect, who presented himself as a clergyman, was dismissed in 2022 by the former bishop and has not been reinstated by the current Bishop Ephraim Gongden. The church stressed that the individual is not a clergyman under its employment or jurisdiction and has no working relationship with the diocese.

“

The individual is NOT a clergyman in the employment, authority, or jurisdiction of the Anglican Diocese of Jos.

The clarification aims to correct inaccurate portrayals that could wrongly associate the current church leadership with the alleged criminal activity. While the diocese commended security agencies for their intervention, it did not provide details on how the plot was uncovered or the specific roles of two security operatives also reportedly involved. The matter is under investigation by security agencies, and the diocese urged the public to remain calm, stating, "Evil will not have the last word."

“

The Anglican Diocese of Jos has no working relationship whatsoever with this individual.