Kidnapper Killed, Two Injured As Abducted Pastor Regain Freedom in Edo 

From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin) 

The Edo State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the rescue of abducted pastor, Solomon Ativiel in Benin.

The Command's spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed this, said that 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 kidnapper was neutralised during the rescue operation.

"The other suspects have been transferred to the state force headquarters and investigation is ongoing," Nwabuzor added.

A source familiar with the case said: "The victim, Pastor Solomon Ativiel, was kidnapped by a seven-man kidnapping gang in his farm at Urhobo Camp of Iguelaiho Community in Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State.

'The victim was returning from his farm in 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 vigilante blocked the water way with a larger boat and gun battle ensued between them and the community youths."