“Kogi Security Forces Rescue Three Pastors, 13 Others in Daring Kidnapping Operation”
In a successful operation, security operatives in Kogi State rescued three pastors and 13 other victims who were kidnapped by criminals in the Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday. The victims were abducted following a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LG.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the 16 victims, including the three pastors who had been serving as guest ministers, were ambushed on their way back to their guest house after the second day of a three-day crusade.
The abduction occurred at around 11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, along a street off the Ejule-Anyigba Road. Upon receiving the alert, a combined team of Nigerian Army personnel and other security forces launched an immediate search operation. This search lasted for two nights before the kidnappers’ location was pinpointed in a forested area.
Following a tense two-hour gunfight, the kidnappers were forced to flee with various injuries, leaving the hostages behind. The victims were then safely rescued and returned to safety.
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, praised the bravery and dedication of the Nigerian Army and other security operatives involved in the rescue. In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unubi, Salifu expressed relief that all the victims had been freed and commended the swift action taken by security forces.
Salifu also highlighted the commitment of the Kogi state government under Governor Ahmed Ododo to ensuring the safety of the state’s residents. He stressed that Kogi would not be a sanctuary for criminals, reaffirming the administration’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.
