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Kogi State security operatives successfully rescued three pastors and 13 others who had been kidnapped by hoodlums in Ofu Local Government Area. The victims, including the pastors, were abducted after attending a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LGA.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 20, around 11 p.m., as the pastors—guest ministers at the crusade—were returning to their guest house after the second day of the three-day event. They were ambushed by the kidnappers on a street off the Ejule-Anyigba road.
Once alerted, the Nigerian Army coordinated with other security agencies, launching a two-night search operation. The kidnappers were eventually located in a forest, leading to a two-hour gunfight. The attackers fled with injuries, abandoning the victims, who were rescued unharmed.
On Wednesday, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu praised the courage and efficiency of the Nigerian Army and other security operatives involved in the operation.
Salifu expressed his relief over the safe rescue of the victims and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring Kogi remains unsafe for criminals. He emphasised that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration prioritises the security of lives and property in the state.
