Members of the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, have reportedly rescued 19 victims who were kidnapped, including three pastors abducted on Monday in Ejule, Ofu LGA, Kogi State.
The security forces reportedly raided the kidnappers’ hideout in the forest shortly after learning of the three pastors, who were in the area to minister at a three-day crusade programme.
During the rescue operation, there was a fierce exchange of gunfire, but the kidnappers ultimately fled, leaving their victims behind.
A source close to one of the freed pastors stated, “Members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) pursued the kidnappers to their forest hideout. In the ensuing shootout, some kidnappers were neutralised while others escaped with injuries.
“To everyone’s astonishment, 16 additional kidnapped victims were found in the same hideout. They have all been rescued.”
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, confirmed the operation in a statement, saying, “After a two-hour gun battle, the kidnappers fled in a panic, sustaining various injuries, and left their victims behind.
“The three pastors who were abducted after a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LGA, have regained their freedom following the intervention of the security personnel.”