The Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, has confirmed it rescued a kidnapped pastor, Solomon Ativiel, in Benin, the state capital. Confirming the report, the spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, said one suspected kidnapper was killed while two others were injured during the rescue operation which was carried out on Tuesday.
Nwabuzor also said that 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 neutralized during the rescue operation.
“The other suspects have been transferred to the state command headquarters and the investigation is ongoing,” Nwabuzor added.
A source close to the case said, “The victim, Pastor Solomon Ativiel, was kidnapped by a seven-man kidnapping gang 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 waterway when community youths, including hunters and vigilantes, blocked the waterway with a larger boat and a gun battle ensued between them and the community youths.”
