Three Days After Abduction, Oke-Ijumu Victims Rescued Alive As Troops, Vigilantes Crush Kidnap Gang

The two victims abducted during a deadly attack on a relaxation centre in Oke-Ijumu, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security operatives and local vigilantes.

The victims, identified as the bar manager and a sales girl at Aluta Bar Relaxation, were rescued unharmed after a joint team comprising the Nigerian Army, the Police, and vigilante groups from Ogbe and Irele-Ekiti intercepted their abductors while they were being moved to a suspected hideout.

Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that the security team engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, leading to the neutralization of several suspected bandits. Others reportedly escaped from the scene with gunshot wounds.

The successful rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday, June 9, barely three days after the victims were kidnapped during an attack on the relaxation centre that left residents of the community in fear.

Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang, while surveillance has been intensified across the surrounding forests and border communities.

The development has been welcomed by residents of Oke-Ijumu and neighbouring communities, who commended the swift response and collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups in securing the victims’ release.

Authorities have assured residents that operations will continue until all those involved in the abduction are brought to justice.