Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers broke into the apartment of Pastor Julius Ajeka of the United Evangelical Church (UEC) in Ojuwo-Igah, Olamaboro local government of Kogi State and forcefully took him away to an unknown destination.

The incident took place at about 2am on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Provoked by the attack, youths of the community picked up their local arms, gave a hot chase to the kidnappers. Aware that the youths chasing them were many and determined, the kidnappers were forced to let go of the pastor to ward off the rampaging youths.

The rescued Pastor Ajeka, who sustained injuries on his body, has been returned home and receiving medical attention at an undisclosed local clinic.

In a similar incident, 12 kidnapped victims held captive at the Kogi-Enugu boundary have been rescued through joint operations of Vigilantes and Troops of Enugu State.

An eyewitness said, “It’s a thing of joy and celebration today as we welcome home the victims of kidnappers from the boundary of Akpanya district and Igbo Eze north, rescued by the military from Enugu State.

“The victims are 12 in number, including five kidnapped from Ubele ward and seven from Etteh.”

The Guardian learnt that seven suspects were arrested in the joint operations while other suspects escaped arrest. But the kidnappers' camp was demolished by the security agencies.

“This rescue operation was made possible by intervention of the military and neighborhood watch from the Igbo Eze north, Enugu state”, said of the rescued victims.

Residents appealed to the Kogi State government and the Nigerian army to pay more attention to activities of criminals operating at the boundaries.

“Most of the security threats against the peace of our community are coming from the borders. There are camps of kidnappers in those locations that should be visited. All of us at the boundaries are automatic victims of these kidnappers, they have been feeding from us on regular bases. The government should help to stop this menace for us to enjoy a life of peace,” said Emmanuel Ojodale.

Another resident said, “As a community, we have been doing our best to curtail the activities of these criminals, but the solution has to come from the government and the military.”

Meanwhile, the leadership of Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) said, “We have two rescue operations ongoing at the same time; the victims of the Ogbakoedo kidnapping incident and those of the Egabada incident. The local rescue team is trying, we however need government intervention.” (The Guardian)