Hostages freed in peaceful resolution
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When Elder M. Russell Ballard learned that four missionaries who had been abducted in Nigeria had been released, he called President Gordon B. Hinckley to report the happy news. The Church leader's response echoed the joy being felt by anxious members worldwide.
"(President Hinckley) was just thrilled," said Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve. "You could feel it in his voice and, likewise, with his counselors (in the First Presidency) and the other members of the Twelve."
Indeed, the safe return of the four missionaries was an answer to many prayers. Following five days of captivity, the young elders were released Wednesday, Feb. 21, into the care of a diligent bishop who was instrumental in successfully ending a difficult episode of Church history in West Africa.
"We are happy we can stand before you and give you such a good report," said Elder Ballard during a Feb. 21 press conference at Church headquarters announcing the release of Elder Akande Adebayo Egunjobi, Elder Emeka Henry Ekufu, Elder Uchenna Anthony Eze and Elder Hope Aiboni Isaiah. All four men are Nigerians serving in the Nigeria Port Harcourt Mission.
Elder Ballard said he fought back tears after hearing the young missionaries' ordeal had ended peacefully.
"Any missionary in this world, regardless of who he or she may be, is precious to the leadership of this Church," he said. "When any one of them has been hurt, or any one of them is in danger or at risk, we have great, great concern.
"So when we learned the missionaries were back in the hands of our priesthood leader, we rejoiced."
Few details were available at press time about the incident, which began Saturday, Feb. 17, when the four missionaries were abducted from their apartment in the village of Emohua, near Port Harcourt. With the support of Church headquarters, local priesthood leaders in Nigeria played a central role in managing negotiations with the hostage takers. Bishop Sancho N. Chukwu, who presides over the Emohua 1st Ward, Port Harcourt Nigeria West Stake, was instrumental in the release process. Local priesthood leaders also enlisted the help and influence of tribal chiefs and community leaders.
"They took an active part in helping to...recover the missionaries," Elder Ballard said.
Such Nigerian members "are the ones who get all the credit for being able to work with their own people and bringing about the safe conclusion of getting our missionaries back home."
Local police were not involved. No ransom was paid. "We don't pay ransoms," Elder Ballard said.
In fact, the only concession given to the captors was a payment early on of $810 to cover their "expenses" of providing food and care for the missionaries during the five day ordeal. Few other details surrounding the missionaries' release were available. At press time, the young elders were staying at the home of Bishop Chukwu. All are expected to continue their mission service.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Seventy and executive director of the Church's Missionary Department said the abductors were likely "copycatting" others who had abducted people involved in the region's oil industry. "This is the first time religious people have been targeted."
Elder Ballard said the abductors quickly came to the conclusion that they had taken "the wrong people," that the captors probably thought the missionaries were associated with the oil industry. Continuing, he said that hearts were softened as the Church came together in collective prayer for the welfare of the missionaries charged with serving the Lord.
"I think heaven had something to do with this wonderful result."
Elder Ballard told reporters that the Church is no stranger to the dangers of the world. Since the day Joseph Smith was an instrument in restoring the gospel, faithful people have found themselves at risk. The world can be a perilous place. He called the recent fatal shootings at a Salt Lake City mall a "wake up call."
"The violence in the world is a great concern to us," Elder Ballard said.
Still, he is heartened by the capability and commitment found in the Church's missionaries and local leaders in places such as Nigeria and across the globe.
Elder Cook added his admiration for those who sacrifice and serve: "They're trying to live righteously. They are in the service of the Savior. They do a wonderful work."
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
