Worshippers in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, were thrown into panic on Sunday when armed bandits invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church and abducted the pastor, his wife, and several members of the congregation during a morning service.
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred mid-service, prompting frantic attempts by congregants to escape as the gunmen stormed the building. Adegboyega Oguns, who was present, recounted how worshippers fled in confusion as the attackers seized their victims and fled.
The exact number of abducted persons has yet to be confirmed.
In response, the Kogi State Government announced an intensified security operation aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking down the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that combined teams of security agencies and local vigilantes had already begun coordinated patrols and surveillance across the area.
Fanwo said authorities in Yagba West were working closely with security operatives to ensure the safe return of the captives. “The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted,” he said, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was directly overseeing the rescue efforts.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. Fanwo also advised worship centres located in isolated or high-risk areas to reconsider holding services in such locations until security conditions improve.
