The Enugu State Government has disclosed that ransom paid to secure the release of worshippers abducted from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, was deliberately used as part of a broader security operation to track the kidnappers.
The coordinated operation led to the safe rescue of the victims, the arrest of suspected members of the kidnapping gang and the recovery of the ransom money, arms and ammunition.
According to SaharaReporters, the worshippers were abducted on August 2, 2026, when gunmen attacked the church during a religious programme in Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ransom Used as Operational Bait
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the ransom payment was only one component of an intelligence-led strategy devised to locate the victims and dismantle the criminal network.
Onyia explained that the security agencies prioritised the protection of the abductees throughout the operation.
“The kidnapped victims were all recovered and they have been returned safe. None of them lost their lives or were harmed,” he said.
He stated that although ransom was paid, the money was used as bait to help operatives track the suspects.
The entire amount was subsequently recovered after the successful conclusion of the operation, according to the state government.
Seminarian, Worshipper Regain Freedom
The government confirmed that the remaining two victims, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, had regained their freedom.
The rescued victims reportedly identified the arrested suspects as members of the group responsible for their abduction.
A joint security operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other agencies led to the breakthrough.
Suspect Killed, Others Arrested
One suspected member of the kidnapping gang was killed during an exchange of gunfire with security operatives, while three suspects were reportedly apprehended.
The arrested persons are expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
The allegations against them remain subject to proof before a competent court.
Security operatives recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of live ammunition from the suspected gang’s hideout.
Cash believed to be the ransom payment was also recovered.
Government Warns Criminal Informants
Onyia expressed concern over the alleged involvement of local informants who provide criminal gangs with information about residents and communities.
He warned that investigations were continuing and that anyone found to have assisted the kidnapping syndicate would be tracked and prosecuted.
The state government maintained that Enugu would be made hostile to kidnapping and other criminal activities through investment in intelligence gathering, security infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration.
“You can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it,” Onyia said.
The government commended the security agencies involved in the operation and assured residents that efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network would continue.
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