In a major breakthrough against criminal activities in Delta State, the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims from the Elyon Paradise Ministry in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha south local government area of the State.
The victims, who were abducted on February 22, 2025, while attending a night vigil, were freed following a fierce gun battle between the police and the kidnappers in the Ubulu-Uku forest in same local government.
The rescue operation, which took place on February 25, 2025, was led by CSP Labe Joseph and included members of the Ubulu-Uku community vigilante group and concerned indigenes.
Upon storming the kidnappers’ hideout, the armed criminals engaged the police in a gunfight but were eventually overpowered and forced to flee, abandoning the hostages.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, disclosed that “All five abducted worshippers were rescued unharmed and have since reunited with their families.
“During the operation, security operatives recovered 13 rounds of expended cartridges, a bag containing ₦1.3 million, suspected to be ransom money and the hunt for the fleeing kidnappers is ongoing as the police intensify efforts to track them down”.
The Police image maker said, the Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda praised the bravery and swift response of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, as well as the resilience and cooperation of the Ubulu-Uku vigilantes and concerned community members, including human rights activists who assisted in the operation.
This successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of CP Abaniwonda’s policing strategies in tackling crime in the State.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as security forces continue their crackdown on criminal elements.
It would be recall that The Story had earlier reported that heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed Elyon Paradise Ministry Church, shooting Pastor Divine Omodia and abducting six members of the congregation in Asagba Ogwashi, near Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Aniocha south local government area of Delta State but the PPRO, in his press statement hinted that five worshippers were kidnapped and have been reunited with their families.
