A pastor of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Julius Ajeka, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ojuwo-Igah, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, has regained his freedom after a swift response by youths in the community.
The gunmen reportedly broke into the cleric’s residence around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Residents, however, quickly mobilised and pursued the kidnappers with local weapons. Faced with the determined pursuit by the youths, the abductors abandoned the pastor and fled into nearby bushes.
Ajeka, who sustained injuries during the incident, has since been reunited with his family and is receiving treatment at a local clinic.
In a related development, 12 kidnapped victims have been rescued along the Kogi–Enugu boundary through a joint operation involving vigilantes and troops from Enugu State.
An eyewitness described the rescue as a moment of relief for 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.
The rescued victims include five persons abducted from Ubele Ward and seven others from Etteh community.
During the operation, seven suspects were arrested while others managed to escape. Security operatives also destroyed a camp used by the kidnappers.
Residents of the affected communities have appealed to the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance around border areas where criminals are believed to operate.
They warned that communities along the boundaries remain vulnerable to repeated attacks if decisive action is not taken to dismantle the camps.
Meanwhile, the Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW) said local security teams are still working to rescue victims from other recent kidnapping incidents in Ogbakoedo and Egabada communities, while calling for stronger government support to tackle the menace.
Kidnapped Pastor, 12 Others Regain Freedom in Kogi
