Gunmen Attack Kogi Church, Kidnap Pastor And Wife

Gunmen attacked a church in Kogi State, abducting a pastor and his wife.
The incident took place during Sunday service at the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area.

The community was thrown into panic after armed bandits launched the assault while worship was ongoing.

A local source said the gunfire forced congregants to flee for safety. The pastor, popularly called Orlando, was kidnapped along with his wife and several others.

Residents described the attack as frightening, noting that the bandits arrived without warning and left many in shock. The exact number of abducted persons has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government said on Sunday that it has intensified surveillance and launched a manhunt for the attackers.

The number of church members taken by the gunmen is still unclear.

However, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies were working to secure the release of the victims.

“The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators, too, already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted.

‎”The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating activities, and we will keep the press updated on the operations.

‎”We urge the citizens to be security-conscious and also report suspicious movements and faces to security agencies. When you see something, say something.

‎‎”Worship Centres in the outskirts should also reconsider worshipping in crime-prone areas for now until the situation gets better.”