New Security arrangement: in talking with Pastor Umo Edem, our Associate in Edo State, the threat to anyone that looks like they have money is being kidnapped, by a variety of “bad guys”, doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with religion, race, tribe, whatever, it’s currently a large-cash generator for criminal gangs, 1-2 million Naira minimum, occasional murders when ransom not paid. So he and Pastor Matthew, our Nigerian Director, arranged for security from the Division of Correction, Special Forces unit, which was created to protect prison guards. Thus we follow, still at as high a speed as possible, at as close a distance as possible, flashers on in all three vehicles, a pickup truck with 4 AK-47-armed Soldiers in “Special Forces” uniforms, body armor, helmets, face masks, and gloves, very professional soldiers, on benches that allow them to jump from the side of the truck if/as needed, with a pro driver and officer in the cab. Everybody has loaded guns,
and anytime one of us steps aside from the group, 1 or 2 of them trail along, and don’t allow us to separate much from the group, only about as far away as a photo “snap” requires. The Nigerians have a very robust faith in God’s protection, knowing that soldiers alone will not necessarily save a life (maybe based on the way they drive?), but we’re grateful for their intention and planning and provision.
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