SaharaReporters gathered that the victims were released on Friday following days of negotiations between community representatives and the kidnappers.
Five women abducted from Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have regained their freedom after the payment of a ₦12million ransom raised by residents of the community.
SaharaReporters gathered that the victims were released on Friday following days of negotiations between community representatives and the kidnappers.
SaharaReporters learnt that the community raised ₦12million ransom through collective efforts by families of the victims, community leaders, and concerned residents, who contributed money to meet the kidnappers’ demand.
However, despite the release of the five women, three other abducted persons are still being held by the kidnappers, with fears growing over their safety.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that a joint security team led by the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a network of bandits and kidnappers operating in the forests and rugged communities of Kogi State, following a fierce midnight encounter that left several criminals neutralised.
In the operation carried out on Sunday, officers of the Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB/IRT), supported by sister security agencies, engaged heavily armed attackers who attempted to overrun their position.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows a firefight between security agents and bandits, with a bright light, possibly an explosion or fire, brightening up the darkness amid loud gunfire.
According to security sources, the bandits launched a coordinated night assault on security operatives during a clearance patrol in one of the notorious hideouts in the state.
The police team repelled the attackers after an intense exchange of gunfire, forcing the criminals to retreat into the forest with casualties.