Army Rescues 6 Victims Of Kogi Church Invasion
The 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims of the recent church attack in Kogi State during a coordinated operation.
The victims were rescued from the Ejiba Forest spanning Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Lokoja.
He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal activities and strengthen security across the region.
Lt. Abdullahi said: “The operation, which followed intensified air and ground offensives by troops and supported by the Nigeria Police helicopter, yielded positive results when troops deployed at Patrol Base Ejiba in Yagba West intercepted the kidnap victims.
“The rescued persons were found in stable condition and confirmed to have been released by the bandits owing to the sustained pressure mounted by troops during the joint operations.
“While five of the rescued individuals have since undergone debriefing and were reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities of Yagba West Local Government Area, the sixth victim is currently receiving medical attention due to his condition at the point of rescue.”
The Brigade reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, noting that troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate forested areas, identify hideouts and deny criminals freedom of action.
Suspected bandits had reportedly stormed a branch of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba community, Yagba East Local Government Area, during Sunday service, abducting several parishioners, including the officiating pastor and his wife, known as Baba Orlando.
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