Gunmen in Haiti kidnap Pastor and 3 others during Facebook live-streaming

Incidents of abduction and kidnapping are not uncommon in Haiti. A record high-have has been recorded in such occurrences in the past few years due to political unrest and poverty.

In similar events, some bandits kidnapped a Haitian pastor and three others during a service that was being live-streamed on Facebook, media reported on Friday, with the footage widely shared on social media in a country tormented by rising violence.

In the video, two choir members can be seen chanting a hymn before they abruptly drop their mics and quail by the side of the platform. As piano music continues to play, a man waving a rifle invades the screen and is seen taking them apart.

The incident flowed on Facebook and YouTube on Thursday evening, took place at the Seventh-day Adventist Gospel Kreyol Ministry Church in Diquini on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Gregory M. Figaro, whose father, Greger Figaro, is the originator of the ministry, told the media that eight to 10 gunmen came in two vehicles and removed the pastor and three others, including a pianist.

"If this can happen, then anything is permissible in the country because there is no respect for any institution, whether it's a service or school," Figaro stated.

Haiti has been swayed by rising violence in recent years, especially by fugitive kidnapping-for-ransom incidents that have deadened the economy and Haitian community.

Kidnappings for ransom have been very common in the capital city of Port-Au-Prince, where often people are kidnapped for ransom and killed if the kin is unable to pay.

The crime rate in Haiti has risen at an un-imaginable level since the pandemic started. People are scared and terrified for their lives during the battle with poverty, starvation, poor health structure and the government.

Besides kidnappings, regular violent protests and clashes between people and police are also increasing.