Nigeria: Pastor seeks government aid to recover kidnapped wife and daughter

A pastor in northeastern Nigeria is appealing to the president and authorities for assistance in recovering his wife, Mercy Simon, and their toddler daughter, Talita Simon. The pair was abducted by suspected Boko Haram rebels on November 9, 2025, while traveling toward Maiduguri in Borno state.

According to the victim's husband, Mercy Simon was specifically targeted and removed from their vehicle due to her Christian faith. After months of silence, the captors contacted the family via WhatsApp in September 2026 to demand a ransom. While the initial demand was 50 million naira (approximately $37,200), the kidnappers reportedly lowered the request to 12 million naira ($8,927).

The pastor, who has since taken refuge in Adamawa state following previous attacks in Chibok and Bama, noted that approximately 70 other Christians are currently being held captive by the group.