Fri May 12, 2017

Bible reading: Genesis 14:10-16

Memory Verse: He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death. Exodus 21:16(NKJV)

Kidnapping according Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary is abducting and holding anybody captive, typically to obtain ransom. Though the definition given by the dictionary is to obtain ransom, some modern day kidnapping have gone beyond that.  Today, kidnapping is also carried out for the purpose of rituals, amongst other nefarious acts.

In the data on the kidnapping incidence released by Riskmap Report in 2014 subtitled “Global Kidnapping hot-spots”, Nigeria is seen as the 5th among the countries that have experienced high kidnapping incident.

One notorious failed example of kidnap for ransom was the 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping ,in California, USA. 26 children were abducted with the intention of bringing in a $5 million ransom. The children and driver escaped from an underground van without the aid of law enforcement agents. According to the department of justice, kidnapping makes up 2% of all reported violent crimes against juveniles.

However, on the night of 14–15 April 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria. Boko Haram, an extremist and terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria claimed responsibility for the kidnap. Some of the children have been found or released while others are still missing.

At another time, 15 school children were kidnapped on their way to school because their parents are considered rich.

Different types of kidnapping include: Bride kidnap, Express kidnap, Tiger kidnap, High net worth Individual kidnap, Virtual kidnap, & Political kidnap. Causes of kidnapping around the globe include: Unemployment, Poverty, Illiteracy, Religion, Greed, Politics, & Corruption.

Kidnapping could take place anytime and anywhere, in broad day light or in the dark, public or private places, on the streets, in the hospitals and even at home. Hence, a need to be security conscious.

Quote: A dead child is better than a lost child – Proverb

Prophetic Word: I shield you from the preying eyes of kidnappers, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

1. I curse the spirit of kidnapping, in the name of Jesus.

2. Father Lord, cause every kidnapper to meet his waterloo (sudden defeat), in Jesus name.

3. I, (mention your name), shall not be a victim of kidnappers, in Jesus name.

4. Pray that the hand of the Lord will search and bring back all who have been kidnapped. May the angels of the Lord set confusion in the camp of the kidnappers.