Gunmen invaded a church in Kogi State and abducted the pastor, his wife and several worshippers during a Sunday service.
The assault took place at the newly founded Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, located in Yagba West Local Government Area.
The community was thrown into confusion as armed attackers stormed the service without warning, forcing worshippers to flee when gunshots rang out.
A resident said the incident caused widespread panic, noting that the pastor, widely known as Orlando, was seized alongside his wife and others who were present during the worship session.
Locals described the attack as frightening, saying the bandits arrived suddenly and left many people traumatized. The specific number of victims taken has not yet been confirmed.
In response, the Kogi State Government announced on Sunday that security surveillance had been heightened, with a coordinated manhunt currently underway to track the perpetrators.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact number of church members abducted during the invasion.
Through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the State Government said security operatives had intensified efforts to free those kidnapped.
According to him, “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 centers in the outskirts should also reconsider worshipping in crime-prone areas for now until the situation gets better.”
What You Should Know
The attack on the Cherubim and Seraphim Church adds to recent security concerns in Kogi State, but authorities have moved swiftly by deploying security teams, strengthening surveillance across vulnerable communities and launching a coordinated manhunt aimed at securing the victims’ release.
The government has also urged worship centres in remote areas to suspend gatherings temporarily while urging residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
