GUNMEN AMBUSH ADVENTIST STUDENTS TRAVELING TO BABCOCK UNIVERSITY

By Ekpor Temple

There are moments when words fail. When the human vocabulary seems too weak to express the weight of a wound. Yesterday, 16 April 2025, was one of those moments. In what was supposed to be a spiritual pilgrimage of fellowship and faith, tragedy struck along the Edo-Ondo Expressway yesterday, turning a hopeful journey into a terrifying nightmare.

Members of the Public Campus Ministries (PCM) from Port Harcourt, en route to the Global Youth Congress (GYC) at Babcock University, found themselves under sudden siege when gunmen believed to be kidnappers stormed out of the forest, opening fire on their convoy.

Eyewitness report from Sheriff Overseer—one of the PCM members in a chat with Hope Tv Port Harcourt said the attackers targeted the tires and boots of one of the buses, attempting to force it to a halt. Amid the chaos, a bullet struck Amadi Chisaokwu, president of the Adventist Student Fellowship at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

Worse still, ten PCM members and leaders were abducted by the assailants and taken into the forest.

"Yesterday, on our way to BU, one of our buses was attacked by armed men who asked everyone to step out of the Bus, in an attempt to destroy the bus; they shot at one of our students, who is currently undergoing medical care. And kidnapped some of our members.

However, recent medical reports reveal that the bullet pierced his lungs. He now requires an emergency surgery at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where a specialist is set to attempt the delicate extraction of the bullet lodged in his body.

Speaking on behalf of the affected students, Sheriff also confirmed the poor conditions at the Ore General Hospital where they spent the night after the incident. He described the experience as emotionally and psychologically traumatic.

“There was no conducive place for us to rest; we slept on benches outside in the cold night weather. We couldn’t eat; only a few managed to take some bread and water, he recounted.

He further appealed to the church leadership and government authorities to urgently intervene for the safe return of the kidnapped member.

Can prayer become the only solution?

Meanwhile, from campuses to conference offices, WhatsApp prayer chains to late-night vigils, a wave of united intercession has risen. Tears have flowed to heaven. Knees have bowed. An emergency communication has been activated. Security agencies have been involved. Medical and logistical plans are being made. Yet, in moments like these, when human efforts seem thin and fleeting one question pierces the heart of every believer: But is prayer truly the only solution?

Yes, because when human strength is exhausted, divine strength steps in. Yes. Because our God does not need a crowd to act—He needs a cry. Yes. Because heaven moves when His children kneel.

Yes, because when plans fall apart... when the road becomes a trap... when safety becomes a question mark... Prayer becomes the only solution. This is more than a headline. It is a call to intercede.

Right now, church leaders are moving swiftly to secure the release of the students. Plans are in motion, but our prayers must be louder than our panic. We are calling all churches, members, students, and all fellow PCM chapters to pray without ceasing.

We are not helpless. We are not hopeless. We are heard. And when prayer becomes the only solution, we remember it was always the most powerful one.