The jubilation that swept through Jos, the Plateau State capital over the release of abducted Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) Pastor, Rev. Polycarp Zongon, has turned out to be an anti-climax. Indeed, a fake news.
No one has physically sighted the man of God, and the President of COCIN, Dr. Dachollom Datiri, has been quoted as saying as far as he is concerned he has not been released..
A reputable source and Christian leader told Everyday.ng in a message: “Am sorry to inform you that the information earlier shared about Rev Polycarp Zongo’s release is not confirmed. I just spoke with the COCIN President-Dr Dachollom Datiri when I saw the message below And he confirmed that he hasn’t been released. Let us intensify prayers for his release. Our God is able!”
The source equally forwarded an official message by the COCIN Church Secretary. It reads: “CALL TO INTENSIFY PRAYERS FOR REV ZONGO!!!
Dear church, the President of COCIN confirmed in Church this morning that our Pastor is yet to be released from his abductors. Fake news came in to distract us from beseeching heaven for his release. This is really a difficult time for us as a church but we will not give up. Let’s keep praying and praying!!! Pray for the wife also who is greatly traumatised. Thank you
-CHURCH SECRETARY-“
Everyday.ng reporter in Jos, Mr. Ron-Well Jacob, on phone late last night. confirmed the confusion, noting that reporters who went to his church to catch a glimpse of him and interview him did not see him, and were told by forlorn-looking congregants and church management he had not been released by his Boko Haram captors.
Zongon was kidnapped on the Jos-Gombe road on his way to Adamawa 13 days ago, by men said to be Boko Haram terrorists