Police Rescue Abducted Pastor in Benin

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of Pastor Solomon Ativiel, who was abducted earlier this week. Chidi Nwabuzor, the command’s spokesperson, stated that one suspected kidnapper was killed and two others were injured during the rescue operation, which took place on Tuesday.

“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 command headquarters and the investigation is ongoing,” Nwabuzor said.

A source familiar with the case detailed that Pastor Ativiel was kidnapped by a seven-man gang in the Urhobo Camp of Iguelaiho Community in Ovia South-West local Government Area while returning from his farm on Monday evening. The kidnappers took him through the Igben waterway, where community youths, hunters, and vigilantes blocked the path with a larger boat, leading to a gun battle and the pastor’s eventual rescue.

In a related incident on July 23, 2024, the Ondo State Police Command reported the rescue of five National Youth Service Corps members and other travelers who were kidnapped along the Benin-Owo Expressway. The kidnappers, armed with AK-47 rifles, had accosted the travelers at Omi Alafa Village in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, and dragged them into the forest. They were rescued after being abandoned by their captors.