The Islamic State West Africa Province has reportedly executed the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Rev. Lawan Andimi.
Rev. Andimi was executed on Monday says a tweet by Ahmed Salkida, a journalist believed to have links in the terrorist group.
In the tweet on Tuesday, Salkida wrote “To break some news items can traumatize. I’m battling with one of such. Reverend Andimi, abducted by #BokoHaram was executed yesterday. Rev. Andimi was a church leader, a father to his children and the community he served. My condolences go to his family.”
See https://twitter.com/A_Salkida/status/1219530749587677184?s=19
Andimi, who was declared missing on Thursday, 2nd January 2020 had appeared in a video tweeted by Ahmad Salkida, on Sunday, 5th January 2020 pleading with the Adamawa State Government and CAN leadership to come to his rescue.
See https://twitter.com/A_Salkida/status/1213875939647643651?s=20
The cleric, who spoke in Hausa and English intermittently, pleaded with his family not to be afraid.
He assured that he would return home safely if it was the will of God.
He said, “I have never been discouraged because everything is in the hands of God. God who made them to take care of me and leave me alive will touch them.
“I am appealing to fellow reverends, particularly my President, Rev. Joel Billy, who is a strong man of love, that he will do his best to speak with our governor and other necessary agents for my release.
“These people (Boko Haram) have been treating me well. They have been feeding me with what I want to eat and they provided me with a nice place to sleep and everything. They have not done anything wrong to me and I believe that God, who made them to act in such a way, is still alive.
“By the grace of God, I will be together with my wife, children and colleagues and if the opportunity has not been granted, then maybe it is the will of God. All well-wishers and colleagues should be patient. Don’t cry, don’t worry but thank God for everything.”
Punch reports that Andimi was abducted during the New Year celebration.
No official confirmation has been received of his execution.
