Update: Nigerian Pastor Says Captors Threaten to Kill Wife, Sell Toddler Daughter
International Christian Concern reports new threats against Mercy and Talita, held in Borno state since November 2025. Reports differ on how much ransom is being demanded.
See where this is ›MUBI, Nigeria —
Suspected Boko Haram militants holding a Nigerian pastor's wife and young daughter have recently threatened to kill the woman and sell the child if he does not pay a ransom, International Christian Concern reported Oct. 30. The pastor, identified in the report as Simon Yohanna, spoke to the outlet Truth Nigeria.
See where this is ›Yohanna's wife, Mercy, and daughter, Talita, were abducted Nov. 9, 2025, on the Buratai-Biu-Bunu Yadi road in Borno state. The pastor, who has served churches in the Chibok and Bama areas, now lives in Mubi, Adamawa state, where he is caring for three other children.
Yohanna said he briefly heard Mercy's voice on a recent call and received a photo he believes shows she is alive. He said the demand stands at 50 million naira, about $33,500 by ICC's figure, and that he cannot raise it.
Morning Star News reported Oct. 28 that the demand had been cut in stages from 50 million naira to 12 million naira, still more than the family can afford. Watchman News carried that report the same day. ICC said the two accounts have not been reconciled.
ICC also said about 70 other Christians are being held and that five captives were released Oct. 19 after ransoms were paid, while noting those figures are unverified. The family has sought help from Sen. Ali Ndume and others without meaningful response, the report said.
What we don't know yet: How much ransom the captors are now demanding, whether any deadline has been set, and the condition of the mother and child. The report gives no date for payment. Nigerian officials have not commented in these reports, and Watchman News could not independently confirm the threats.
