Arusha police continue investigation into pastor’s alleged abduction

Arusha. The Arusha Regional Police are still investigating the abduction of Pastor Steven Jacob, 35, of the Church of Christ Ministry, who was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified individuals and later rescued in West Kilimanjaro by farm guards.

Pastor Jacob, whose church is located in the FFU neighbourhood in Muriet Ward, Arusha, was abducted on the morning of May 16, 2025, and was found a day later on May 17 in the Siha District of Kilimanjaro Region.

Speaking to The Citizen on Tuesday, Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

"We are still carrying out investigations to determine the facts of the matter. We want to know the truth and whether this was an actual abduction or if there were personal issues involved. We will issue a full statement once the investigation is complete," said Commander Masejo.

Earlier, on May 25, Pastor Jacob’s father, Jacob Gumbo—who is also a pastor and a ten-cell leader for the ruling party CCM—told The Citizen that the family had decided to leave the matter in God’s hands.

"The police came and recorded statements on the day he was found, but since then, we haven’t received any updates. We haven’t taken any other steps. We’re praying and focusing on his recovery at home," said Mr Gumbo.

Pastor recounts ordeal

Recounting the incident, Pastor Jacob said the individuals who abducted him posed as police officers but failed to show identification. They allegedly claimed they were taking him to a police station, but instead blindfolded and handcuffed him.

"I realised I was being abducted when they refused to let me inform anyone and didn’t show any IDs. They put two cloths over my face, handcuffed me, and forced me into a vehicle," he said.

Pastor Jacob said he was taken to a remote area in West Kilimanjaro, where the abductors confiscated his phones and demanded he delete certain videos posted on his YouTube channel.

"I didn’t have an active data bundle at the time, so they sent someone to buy one while one of them stayed with me. They beat me and asked questions I’d rather not discuss. They told me to lie on the ground and stepped on my neck before leaving with my phone," he said.

After they left, the pastor said he crawled to a nearby road and attempted to flag down passing vehicles. While initial motorists did not stop, he was eventually assisted by farm guards responsible for preventing elephants from invading the area.

"I told them I was an online worker and had been kidnapped. One of them was hesitant to get involved, but they eventually helped. They gave me a phone so I could let people know I was alive," he said.

He was later taken to a camp, but the guards reportedly relocated him after learning that the abductors had returned, seemingly searching for him again.

The case comes amid growing concern over incidents of abduction in Tanzania. In a separate case, Chadema activist Mdude Nyagali has been missing since May 2, 2025, after reportedly being attacked and abducted at his home.

Police have yet to issue conclusive findings on either case.