Nigeria: Prominent Christian Politician Found Dead After Abduction From Church

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Prominent Nigerian evangelist and politician Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor, who was abducted from her church in Nigeria’s Delta state on July 30, was found dead in a river on August 1, her body naked and showing signs of torture, the Gist Mania news outlet reports.

The gunmen who abducted Ms. Onyemaechi first shot and killed her driver and bodyguard before taking her away in their car.

Known also as Ada Anioma, Mrs Mrakpor was a Christian member of Nigeria’s People’s Democratic Party and had represented Aniocha North-Aniocha South-Oshimili North-Oshimili South in the federal House of Representatives since 2015. She was married to Delta state Attorney General Peter Mrakpor.

On July 30, Mrs. Mrakpor was dragged out of her Bible study group at the King Jesus and I Church in Asaba, capital of Delta state, by unidentified armed men, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. “Her police security men were killed before she was dragged into a car and [driven] off by the gunmen,” Church member Kenneth Ohen told MSN.

The attack caused a pandemonium in the church building as members scattered for safety, MSN said.

The reasons for the kidnapping are not known and the family was not asked for a ransom. “The kidnappers, who did not demand ransom or communicate with the victim’s family, transported Mrakpor by speed boat along the River Niger from Otu-Ogwu road in Asaba,” Gist Mania reported.

“They set her car on fire to eliminate any evidence. Her body showed signs of severe torture, including heavy bruising, indicating that she was flogged and mistreated before her death. Her murder has left the community in shock and mourning,” Gist Mania said.

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