Jos Anglican Diocese Disowns Suspect in Attempted Kidnapping of Bishop’s Wives

• Condemns attack, says Bishop Gongden’s photo is being used to “blackmail the Church”

By Ralph Madugu

The Anglican Diocese of Jos has condemned the attempted kidnapping of the wives of the incumbent and immediate-past Bishops, and has distanced itself from one of the suspects being circulated online as a clergyman of the Diocese.

In a press release issued on August 11, 2026 and signed by the Diocese Registrar, Harrison N. Ugwuala Esq., the Diocese described reports linking the bishop to the incident as “misleading,” “malicious,” and a “deliberate attempt to damage the image and reputation of the Diocese and the Church of God.”

The Diocese confirmed that an attempt was made to kidnap the wife of the incumbent Bishop, Rt: Rev. Dr. Prof. Ephraim J. Gongden, and the wife of the immediate-past Bishop in Jos.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the criminal attempt to kidnap the innocent women, and we are grateful to God and to the security agencies for their swift intervention. We continue to uphold them and their families in prayer,” the statement said.

Regarding the identity of one of the suspects, the Diocese said the individual “presents himself as a clergyman,” having previously worked in the Diocese, where he was dismissed in 2022 by the former Bishop.

The Diocese, however, stated categorically that he was not reinstated by the present Bishop.

“He is not a clergyman in the employment, authority, or jurisdiction of the Anglican Diocese of Jos. The Diocese has no working relationship whatsoever with this individual.”

The denomination expressed concern over the circulation of Bishop Gongden’s photograph in connection with the incident “as if he is the suspect.”

“To suggest that ‘the clergyman is from the Diocese of Jos’ and to attach the bishop’s image to the story amounts to deliberate blackmail, wickedness, misrepresentation, and an act of hatred.

“It is misleading, sad, and unjust that the victim is now being made to look like the criminal. This is a deliberate attempt to damage the image and reputation of the Diocese, the office of the bishop, and the Church of God,” it stated.

The Diocese called on electronic and conventional media houses, bloggers, and social media users to “desist from spreading unverified information, false images, and defamatory contents” and to verify facts before sharing.

“The Church is a house of peace and truth, and we will not allow the name of Christ and His Church to be dragged into criminality,” it said.

It added that the misinformation and cyber-bullying have been reported to “the appropriate security and legal authorities for necessary action.”

The Diocese urged members and the entire Christian community to “remain calm, prayerful, and united,” quoting 1 Peter 2:23: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. Evil will not have the last word,” the statement concluded.

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