Nigerian Bishop Targeted by Gang for Second Time

August 1, 2007

ASSIST News Service reports that the family of Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi, Anglican Bishop of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria was attacked in their home on Tuesday, July 14, 2007, by a gang armed with hammers, axes and diggers.

This is the second time the family has been targeted, as the gang had previously attacked them while the bishop was visiting the UK last year. This news comes from the UK-based human rights group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

A CSW spokesperson told ANS, "Early in 2006, the gang of armed men broke into the bishop's residence in Jos in search of the bishop. When they failed to find him, they subjected his wife Gloria and two of their sons to a horrendous attack from which the family had only recently fully recovered. One son, Ringi, was beaten unconscious and Mrs. Kwashi's head injuries were so severe that she was blinded. She has subsequently undergone treatment in the US which has fully restored her sight."

At 2am on Tuesday, the men proceeded to break into the family's house for a second time. While Mrs. Kwashi was not injured this time, she has been traumatised by the return of the men who previously subjected her to appalling mistreatment. Ringi, who had just arrived home for his school holidays, was once again severely assaulted.