Revds Iliya Anto and Yakubu Dzarma of the United Church of Christ (UCCN) in Nigeria and Revd Emmanuel Dziggau, the UCCN President, were abducted in Kaduna State by armed men at the end of March.
The men were travelling along the Kaduna-Abuja Express Way on their way to clear a piece of land for the foundation of the church seminary.
Church sources told the Nigerian media that the abductors called them on 22nd March with details of a location where they claimed to have left Revd Anto, who they said was unwell.
He had recently undergone an operation and needed medication, but rescuers did not find him at the stated location.
His abductors refused to provide more information, saying that the church had sent too many people to the area.
His body was discovered decomposing in the bush, but Revds Dziggau and Dzarma were freed that evening and are reported to be recovering in a private hospital in Kaduna.
It is unclear whether a ransom was paid to secure their release.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the body of another man, a kidnapped senior military officer was discovered in similar circumstances.
Colonel Samaila Inusa was abducted by unknown gunmen in Kaduna on 27th March, had been found dead in the bush.
According to an army statement, "most likely the late senior officer was killed same day he was kidnapped. This is because the body was found already decomposing around Ajyaita village off Eastern Bypass Kaduna, Kaduna State."
Mervyn Thomas Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Reverend Anto and Colonel Inusa.
"Our prayers are with their families and with Reverends Dzarma and Dziggau as they recover from their ordeal.
"These abductions point to a worrying breakdown in law and order. We urge the authorities to step up security in the area and to bring the perpetrators to justice."
