Kogi Govt’s Army Rescue Claim False: Three Abducted Pastors Freed After N2Million Ransom Payment –Source
A shocking revelation has emerged contradicting the Kogi State Government’s claim that the Nigerian Army rescued three pastors abducted in the state.
According to a reliable source, the gunmen released the pastors after a ransom payment of N2 million.
SaharaReporters had reported that the pastors were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred shortly after they ministered at a crusade in the town.
The attackers reportedly ambushed the pastors along Ejule-Ofakaga-Anyigba Road around 11 pm on Monday, January 20, 2025, while returning from the crusade ground.
One of the abducted pastors, identified as Evangelist Gabriel Onaji, was a guest minister at the three-day crusade-themed “Ejule Gospel Crusade,” hosted by Evangelist Sunday Oguche, President of God’s Care Missions, Okpo.
Their vehicle was later found abandoned in Ofakaga village along the Ejule-Anyigba Road.
The kidnappers also demanded a N20 million ransom for their release, according to a resident who attended the crusade and is familiar with one of the abducted pastors.
A statement issued by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the State Deputy Governor on Wednesday announced the rescue of these pastors and other victims by the Nigerian Army and other security operatives.
The government claimed that no ransom was paid to free the victims from the custody of their kidnappers.
Emmanuel wrote: “The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has praised the gallantry of men of Nigeria Army and other sister agencies in the state for the safe release of the victims of kidnapping in the state.
“Comrade Joel made the statement when he received a call that sixteen victims of a recent kidnap incident, including three pastors in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area regained their freedom, following the intervention of the security personnel.
“According to him, the men of the Nigeria army were alerted immediately the dastard act was carried out on Monday, prompting the security men to go after the abductors with a thorough search which lasted for two nights before they could locate them in a forest.
“After a two-hour gun duel, the kidnappers scampered for safety with varying degrees of injuries, leaving behind their victims.”
However, a source privy to the situation, disclosed that the Kogi State Government’s assertion that the army rescued the pastors was entirely false. Instead, the families of the abducted pastors were forced to pay a hefty ransom to secure their release.
“It was gathered that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for the release of the three men of God. The senior pastor was said to have engaged in a serious prayer session with his pastors.
“At the same time, the negotiation was ongoing with the kidnappers as the men of the Nigerian Army were also making relentless efforts in the search for the kidnapper’s hideout. Eventually, N2 million was paid to secure their release,” the source said.
A news platform based in the state, Holi Magik TV also disclosed that “the victims were released after a suitable negotiation of the ransom was arrived at by both parties”.
“It was gathered that the sum of approximately N2 million naira was paid for the three men of God,” the report added.