Thirteen wedding guests who were kidnapped en route to a program in Kogi State have been rescued after six days in captivity.

The rescue operation, conducted by the police and local hunters, took place in the Idofin-Igbana area of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Two of the victims, who sustained gunshot injuries, received medical treatment, while all thirteen—comprising three females and ten males—have since been reunited with their families.

The kidnappers, numbering six and some disguised in military uniforms, engaged the rescue team in a gun battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the joint security operatives. They fled the scene with various degrees of gunshot injuries, leaving their captives behind.

The Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun, confirmed the development in a press statement issued over the weekend in Ilorin.

The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command has achieved yet another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities with the rescue of thirteen kidnapped victims following a distress call on December 21, 2024.

“The victims, who were forcefully abducted by armed assailants on their way to a wedding program in Kogi State, were rescued in a joint operation involving the Police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel.

“Acting on credible intelligence and with the support of local informants, the security operatives swiftly mobilized to the suspects’ hideout located in the Idofin-Igbana area.

Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers, six in number, engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered. The suspects fled the scene with injuries, abandoning their captives in the process.”

The rescued victims hailed from various locations, including Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers en route to Kogi State. All victims were provided medical care at a nearby hospital, stabilized, and reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Victor Olaiya, praised the resilience and swift response of the operatives and expressed gratitude to the local communities for their timely provision of credible information.

He assured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating criminality in all forms and urged citizens to remain vigilant. Suspicious activities should be reported to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07032069501 or 08125275046.

©CDA News