Kidnapped Pastor, 12 Others Regain Freedom in Kogi

A pastor with the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Julius Ajeka, who was kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Ojuwo-Igah, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, has regained his freedom following a swift response by youths in the community.
The armed men reportedly invaded the cleric’s residence at about 2:00 a.

m. on Friday, March 6, and took him to an unknown location.
However, residents quickly mobilised and pursued the kidnappers using local weapons. Overwhelmed by the persistent chase from the youths, the abductors abandoned the pastor and escaped into nearby bushes.
Ajeka, who sustained injuries during the attack, has since been reunited with his family and is currently receiving treatment at a nearby clinic.
In a separate development, 12 kidnapped victims were rescued along the Kogi–Enugu boundary during a joint operation involving vigilantes and troops from Enugu State.
An eyewitness described the rescue as a moment of great relief for the affected communities.
“It is a day of joy as we welcome back victims of kidnappers from the boundary of Akpanya district and Igbo Eze North. They were rescued by soldiers from Enugu State,” the source said.
Among the rescued victims are five individuals abducted from Ubele Ward and seven others from the Etteh community.
During the operation, seven suspects were apprehended while several others escaped. Security operatives also destroyed a camp reportedly used by the kidnappers.
Residents of the affected communities have appealed to the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance in border areas where criminal groups are believed to operate.
They warned that communities located along these boundaries could continue to face repeated attacks if decisive measures are not taken to dismantle the criminal camps.
Meanwhile, the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW) disclosed that local security teams are still working to secure the release of victims from other recent kidnapping incidents in Ogbakoedo and Egabada communities. The group also called for stronger government support to effectively address the growing menace.