What began as a night of spiritual devotion turned into a harrowing ordeal for worshippers at Akpamoba-Igbola Mountain in Lokoja, Kogi State—until hope returned with the rescue of two abducted pastors.
Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed on Tuesday that the pastors, Adura Kayode and Kingsley Ebong of the City of Grace Prophetic Liberation Church, were successfully rescued and have since reunited with their loved ones.
The abduction, which occurred around 11 p.m. during a Friday night vigil, sent shockwaves through the community. But thanks to swift action by local security forces and brave members of the Community Vigilante Groups, the kidnappers were forced to flee, sparing what could have been a worse tragedy.
In a statement released through his Special Adviser, Hon. Yusuf Bala, the LG Chairman praised Commander Ismaila Hassan and the vigilance team covering the Felele to Tajimi axis for responding to the distress call without hesitation.
“Our people can breathe a little easier tonight,” Comrade Adamu said. “The rescue of the pastors is a victory for community resilience and coordination with our security agencies. But we are not done. The forests will be combed until every last trace of these criminal elements is removed.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant but calm, assuring them that the intelligence provided by surviving worshippers is guiding an ongoing manhunt.
He also appealed to the public to come forward with any credible information that could aid security efforts.
“This attack on innocent people during a vigil is not just a crime—it is a strike against our collective peace and faith,” he added. “We will not allow fear to take root in our communities.”
The Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to restoring safety and order, warning that the forests sheltering criminals will not remain a hiding place for long.
