A team of Kogi State security operatives has successfully rescued three pastors and 13 other kidnapped victims from their abductors in the Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, including Evangelist Sunday Oguche and Rev. Onaji Gabriel, who were guest ministers at a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LGA, were abducted on Monday, January 20, after the second day of the three-day religious event.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. while they were en route to their guest house via a street off the Ejule-Anyigba road.
Upon receiving an alert, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security operatives, launched a coordinated search operation that extended over two nights.
The team tracked the kidnappers to a forest and engaged in a fierce two-hour gun battle. The assailants eventually fled with injuries, leaving the hostages unharmed.
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, praised the bravery and swift action of the security personnel involved in the rescue.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unubi, Salifu expressed relief over the safe return of the victims and reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance toward criminal activities under Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration.
“Kogi will never serve as a haven for criminals. The government remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property,” Salifu affirmed. (NAN)