Gunmen stormed a church in Kogi State on Sunday, abducting a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a service.
The attack targeted the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, throwing the community into chaos as gunshots rang out. Witnesses said worshippers fled in panic while the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was taken away along with his wife and others. The exact number of abducted victims remains unclear.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, noting that the bandits struck without warning and left many in shock.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the attack and said it had intensified surveillance and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies were working to secure the release of those kidnapped. “The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive,” he stated, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was coordinating operations.
Fanwo urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies. He also advised worship centres in remote areas to reconsider holding services in crime-prone locations until the situation improves.
