Security operatives in Kogi State successfully rescued 16 victims, including three pastors, who were kidnapped in the Ofu Local Government Area.
The victims, abducted after attending a crusade in Ejule, regained their freedom through the intervention of a combined team of security personnel.
The pastors, who served as guest ministers at the crusade, were kidnapped on their way to their guest house after the second day of the three-day religious event.
They were ambushed by hoodlums around 11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, on a street off the Ejule-Anyigba Eoad.
Upon being alerted, the Nigerian Army quickly mobilised other security operatives, launching a search that lasted two nights before locating the kidnappers in a forest.
After a two-hour gunfight, the kidnappers fled with varying degrees of injury, leaving behind the victims.
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, on Wednesday lauded the bravery of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the rescue.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unubi, Salifu expressed his relief that the victims :were safely freed” and commended the security personnel for their efforts.
He also emphasised that under Governor Ahmed Ododo, Kogi would not be a safe haven for criminals, noting the state’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property.