[News] Scores injured as security operatives foil attempted kidnap of pastor, church members and travellers in Kogi

Police and the military have foiled an attempt by gunmen to kidnap a pastor, members of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), New Layout, Lokoja, Kogi State, and other travellers in Ajaokuta.

The failed abduction occurred on the Ajaokuta-Itobe road at the weekend while the church members were returning to Lokoja after attending a wedding in Dekina LGA.

Some of the travellers sustained gunshot injuries and were treated in a hospital in Lokoja and discharged.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, SP William Aya, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, June 13, stated that the attempted kidnapping was foiled shortly after men of the command got wind of it.

He explained that the police and the military swung into action and engaged the hoodlums, which forced them to escape, and all the passengers were rescued.

According to an eyewitness, the kidnappers opened fire on the bus carrying the church members and other vehicles at about 3 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

“It was by the help of God that they were miraculously saved from the kidnappers. They fired several gunshots in the direction of the driver, but miraculously, God did not allow any of the bullets to hit him,” a witness said.

One Comr Abuh Richard, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, said his brother, Hon. Monday Olamaboro, sustained injuries during the incident, warning others to be careful while plying the road.