Kidnapper killed, two injured as abducted Edo pastor regains freedom

The Edo State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the rescue of the abducted pastor, Solomon Ativiel, in Benin, the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed this to our correspondent, said that one suspected kidnapper was killed while two others were injured during the rescue operation which was carried out on Tuesday.

Nwabuzor also said the suspects were transferred to the state police command headquarters on Wednesday.

“I can confirm to you that the pastor has been rescued while one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the rescue operation.

“The other suspects have been transferred to the state force headquarters and an investigation is ongoing,” Nwabuzor added.

A source familiar with the case who pleaded anonymity, in an interview with our correspondent, said, “The victim, Pastor Solomon Ativiel was kidnapped by a seven-man kidnapping gang in his farm at Urhobo Camp of Iguelaiho Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

‘The victim was returning from his farm on Monday evening when the suspected kidnappers accosted him and whisked him away.

“The victim was taken through Igben waterways when community youths including hunters and vigilantes blocked the waterways with a larger boat and gun battle ensued between them and the community youths.”

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