A Jos-based pastor, Bitrus Albarka, who allegedly kidnapped himself several times and collected ransom from members of his congregation, said he has regretted his action.
The Plateau State Police Command, in a statement on Wednesday, had said Mr Albarka, a pastor of the ECWA Church, conspired with his gang and collected ransoms meant for his release.
But the cleric who spoke while being paraded on Thursday said he did it because he needed the money to settle his financial challenges.
“I put myself into these activities because of the financial challenges I am facing. When I did the first one, I felt guilty. When I went out, the money I had with me was gone. I was thinking of coming back. I was just confused. That is why I did the second one. I am regretting my action,” he said.
The pastor, who also allegedly burned a vehicle owned by a senior pastor of the church, said he didn’t know what came over him.
“I burnt the vehicle because I was guilty of what I did. I was just confused. I don’t even know what came over me. Being a pastor, that is why the spirit of God didn’t allow me to go without confessing my action. I am sorry for what I have done. I am really sorry.”
