American missionary kidnapped in Nigeria
An American aid worker in Nigeria has been kidnapped in what authorities call a “purely criminal” act.
The Free Methodist Church has identified the American woman as the Rev. Phyllis Sortor, a missionary based at the Hope Academy compound in Kogi state.
Kogi state Police Commissioner Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi says five men kidnapped the woman from her workplace and are demanding a ransom of 60 million Naira ($301,500).
Kogi state is located away from the areas where Boko Haram operates, making it likely that the kidnapping is not related to terrorism. But there is also the possibility that an offshoot group could have kidnapped the aid worker, or that she might be sold to another group. Police have not said if they suspect a certain group or band of criminals.
The woman, who was not identified, was kidnapped on Monday, near the town of Ajaokuta, Ogunjemilusi said.
The woman runs a nongovernmental organization that educates nomadic Fulani children, the police commissioner said.
