Some Christians were reported to have been kidnapped by a criminal gang in Libya.

They were abducted on their way to work at an illegal checkpoint in Libya while they were on their way to Tripoli, the capital city and held hostage among nationalities from other countries.

Abdu Jada Sadrak, one of the kidnapped men, was able to place a call to a family member over the phone. He described that they were subjected to a “living hell” during their captivity.

Sources had it that the hostages have been held captive for several days and were subjected to physical and psychological torture during their captivity. They were allegedly beaten, deprived of food and water, and kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions. According to a local reporter, the armed group demanded a large sum of money in exchange for the hostages’ release. An amount of money that is approximately £2,600 in exchange for each of the hostages.

The families and loved ones of the victim are pleading with the government of Egypt and international agencies may be of help in this matter.

Mervyn Thomas, the president of the Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the organisation condemns the brutality against Egyptian Christians in Libya. He said; “CSW condemns this latest brutality committed against Egyptian Christians in Libya.

“The fact that these men were abducted so soon upon arrival and are being held with many other foreign nationals highlights the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom in that country.
“We urge the Libyan and Egyptian authorities to intervene swiftly to secure the release of these six men and all those held with them.
“Their kidnappers must be held to account, and we call upon the international community to press those who are in power in Libya to crack down on extremist and criminal groups and address the appalling discriminatory targeting and extortion of religious minorities and refugees.’

We pray for divine intervention and quick release of those held captive.