Two children and a local shoemaker remain in captivity after security operatives successfully rescued a woman and her toddler from kidnappers in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescued victims, identified as Kemi Titilayo Idowu and her four-month-old child, regained their freedom during a joint operation carried out by local security personnel and soldiers in the early hours of Thursday.
The victims were among several residents abducted when armed attackers stormed the Ijalu area of Egbe on Wednesday night. Witnesses said the gunmen invaded the community, fired sporadically, and created panic among residents before whisking away their victims.
Although the rescue operation secured the release of the mother and her infant, two of her children a boy and a girl remain in the custody of the kidnappers. A popular shoemaker in the community, identified simply as JB, is also still being held.
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Security sources said efforts have been intensified to locate the abductors and secure the safe release of the remaining captives. Local vigilantes and security agencies have continued search operations in surrounding forests and nearby communities.
Residents welcomed the rescue of the woman and her child but expressed concern over the fate of those still in captivity. Community leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.
The attack has heightened fears among residents of the area, while families of the remaining victims continue to hope for their safe return as security operatives sustain efforts to track down the kidnappers.
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