A coordinated operation by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces has freed 15 church worshippers and seven others held captive by bandits in forests along the Kwara–Kogi border.
The 15 worshippers were abducted during a church night vigil, security officials said on Sunday while confirming the development.
The operation, carried out Saturday night by a joint team of military, police, local hunters and vigilante groups, forced kidnappers to abandon many of their captives, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, told reporters.
The freed victims have begun reuniting with their families.
Among those rescued were four residents of Idofin‑Igbana who were abducted in early April, 15 members of Ikerin church in Eda Oniyo who were taken on April 28 while attending a night vigil and held for more than 60 days, and three worshippers from ECWA Church, Omugo, who were kidnapped in early April while attending service.
The security group said several other freed victims were still being identified.
“A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces comprising the Military, Police, Hunters and Vigilante groups has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara‑Kogi border.
“We give glory to God for answered prayers. We commend the bravery and sacrifice of the Kogi State Joint Security Operatives, ” the Joint Security Watch said.
The rescue highlights the impact of intensified security patrols in border forests that have been used repeatedly by criminal gangs to carry out abductions, the group added.
It prayed for the full recovery of the victims and for lasting peace across Kwara South and neighbouring communities.
The development comes amid growing alarm over a spate of kidnappings in the area.
On June 3, SaharaReporters published an account in which an escaped captive said five worshippers seized during an April attack on ECWA Church in Omugo had reportedly died in captivity, including the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the rescued or provided details on any arrests or ongoing operations to track remaining suspects.
Source – Joint Security Watch, Kwara South
((vitalnewsngr.com)
