Kogi security operatives on Wednesday rescued three pastors and 13 other victims who had been kidnapped by hoodlums in the Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 16 victims, including the three pastors, were abducted after a crusade in Ejule, Ofu LGA.

They regained their freedom following the intervention of a combined team of security personnel in the state.

The pastors, who were guest ministers at the crusade, were on their way to their guest house after the second day of the three-day event.

They were ambushed by hoodlums around 11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, on a street off the Ejule-Anyigba road.

Upon being alerted, the Nigerian Army quickly mobilised other security operatives, launching a thorough search that lasted two nights before locating the kidnappers in a forest.

After a two-hour gunfight, the kidnappers fled with varying degrees of injury, leaving behind the victims.

Kogi’s Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, on Wednesday lauded the bravery of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the rescue.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unubi, Salifu expressed his relief that the victims were safely freed and commended the security personnel for their efforts.

He also emphasised that under Gov. Ahmed Ododo, Kogi would not be a safe haven for criminals, noting the state’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property.(NAN)

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said they have arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters.

The commission stated that the all-male suspects were arrested in a sting operation at Commissioners’ Quarters, Dr. J. O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State.

According to a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, EFCC said that the development followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to fraudulent internet activities.

The commission listed the items recovered from them to include six exotic cars, laptops and mobile phones.

“They will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the statement concluded.

A woman who was set ablaze by her husband on Tuesday at Abagana, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State on suspicion of infidelity, has died.

A circulating video on social media showed the woman, Mrs Chioma Nwanna, mother of six children, tumbling on the ground with burns and cursing her husband.

A source in Abagana said the man had accused his wife of being wayward and flirting with other men, an allegation that sparked off an argument between them.

It was gathered that as the argument raged, the man poured fuel on her, setting her ablaze. She was rushed to the hospital where she later died.

The Anambra State police command has confirmed the incident. The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said her husband had already been arrested, adding that an investigation into the matter has commenced.

“We are aware of the matter, but it is sad to announce to you that the woman just died this morning while receiving medical attention.

“Her husband has also been arrested and investigation has commenced,” the PPRO said.