In a shocking turn of events, Ken Samuel and several others have been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police in Benin City for their alleged roles in the bloody reprisal attacks that took place on 25th July 2005, after his church, New Faith Church, Kano was attacked, burnt down, and members wounded and killed by suspected Muslim fanatics.
However, indications are that Ken Samuel and the others may have since escaped from the country, for fear of their lives. Unhappy families of some members of the New Faith Church, Kano told newsmen, that their relatives under arrest have been held for three months in illegal detention under very harsh conditions while awaiting trial.
They also appealed to the authorities of the countries where Ken Samuel and others may have escaped to, to protect them as their safety cannot be guaranteed back in Nigeria. They said this because all those responsible for the attack on their church were never arrested or brought to justice.
According to reports, the attack on New Faith Church, Kano, which occurred on the 25th July 2005, saw scores of armed men storming the small church during a service and setting it ablaze. The attack led to the deaths of several members of the church, men, women and children, while others were left with varying degrees of injuries.
Following the attack, Ken Samuel, and other prominent members of the church, reportedly led a group of individuals to carry out the bloody reprisal attacks on the suspected perpetrators of the initial attack. The attacks, which reportedly took place in parts of Kano led to the deaths of several people and left others injured.
Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson for the Nigerian police force, Benin City, DSP Valentina Usifo, stated that they had information that Ken Samuel led Josiah Tanko, Bala Usman, Mathew Kachina along with several other individuals, to run away from Kano and were hiding in Benin City. She said they have all been declared wanted in connection with the attacks, adding that anyone with information on their whereabouts should come forward.
“The Nigerian police force is currently on the hunt for Ken Samuel and several others who are suspected to have carried out these attacks following the invasion of New Faith Church, Kano. We urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward and assist us in bringing them to justice,” the spokesperson said.
The declaration of Ken Samuel as a wanted man has sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Kano, with many expressing disbelief at the allegations levelled against him.