American missionary returns to Nigeria after being kidnapped and released in March

American woman missionary, 86, who was kidnapped in Emi Woro, Kogi State on February 25 and released in March, Reverend Phyllis Sortor, is back in Nigeria to continue her missionary work.

Sortor, who was seen at the Government House in Lokoja on Wednesday, June 17, told newsmen that she returned to Nigeria to complete her work as ordained by God.

She said she is happy to be back in Emi Woro where she was kidnapped by six masked gunmen who kept her for twelve days (February 25 to March 7).

Phyllis thanks the villagers for their concern during her ordeal in the hands of her captors, saying that they have been of great help to her in the missionary work.

Sortor, of Free Methodists, was kidnapped from her school, Hope Academy, which also houses a branch of her church.

She expressed gratitude to God for her safe rescue from her abductors and was full of praises for the State Government for being a part of the efforts that led to her release.

Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi said the government is relieved and happy by her decision to come back to Nigeria.

Awoniyi described her as a woman of courage and great tenacity, saying that her action has put those behind her abduction to shame.

He pledged government’s further assistance to her school and cattle grazing projects, saying that government will take adequate security measures around her and the projects.

Sortor was accompanied on the visit by two community leaders from Emi Woro, Alhaji Dauda Abdullahi and Mugode Bature.