Three pastors kidnapped in Kogi released, abductors of ex-AIG’s wife neutralised

Three pastors who were abducted at gunpoint in Ejule, Ofu Local Council of Kogi State, have been released by their captors.

The pastors were reportedly kidnapped at approximately 11:00 p.m., last Monday shortly after leaving the crusade grounds in Ejule.

It is understood that the kidnappers, who may have been following the pastors, ambushed them as they were resting after the three-day event.

Evangelist Gabriel Onaji and two other pastors were abducted, but they were released by their captors on Wednesday night.

Gabriel Idoko, a church member, confirmed to The Guardian that, “The three pastors have been released and have reunited with their respective families.”

It was learned that the kidnappers, who were demanding a ransom of N20 million as of Tuesday, released the pastors without receiving any payment.

When contacted, Williams Aya, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, said he was unaware of the incident but would seek further information from the relevant division.

In a separate incident, the kidnappers who abducted the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, have been neutralised by police operatives in Ogun State.

Folashade Odumosu was rescued alive, and the ransom paid to the kidnappers was recovered.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), confirmed the news yesterday via X (formerly Twitter).

Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the Inspector-General of Police commended the police operatives and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, for their successful operation.

“We are committed to safeguarding Nigerian citizens and our dear country,” he said.