Clergyman details survival after fleeing Nigeria over insurgent attacks in Plateau

An evangelical missionary, Pastor Clement Folorunso Olusore, has recounted his narrow escape from death following series of violent attacks on his mission fields in Plateau and Benue states by insurgents and criminal gangs.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Olusore detailed how persistent security threats, physical destruction of church properties, and unceasing death threats eventually forced him to flee Nigeria.

Born into the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) family in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in November 1972, Olusore was ordained as an evangelist and missionary in December 2013 before being deployed to the North-Central region for church-planting missions.

His ministry, however, faced severe hostility. In one of the most violent incidents, insurgents launched a midnight raid on his mission stations in Zikke and Kimaka villages within the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

During the attack, several worshippers were killed and burned to death, while church auditoriums were razed to the ground.

Despite the initial destruction, pressure intensified when insurgent groups issued direct ultimatums demanding the immediate shutdown of his churches and an end to Christian evangelical activities in the area.

Targeted threat messages were sent to his personal contacts, and gun imagery was painted on church walls as a warning.

The ministry also faced repeated harassment from local cult groups and kidnapping syndicates operating across Plateau and Benue states.

The cleric explained that attempts to secure state protection were repeatedly thwarted by powerful religious fundamentalists who threatened to execute him if he involved law enforcement.

With threats extending to tracking him anywhere within Nigeria or the African continent, Olusore stated he was left with no option but to relocate abroad to preserve his life.