By Ayomide Otitoju
Gunmen have attacked a church in Kogi State, abducting a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a Sunday service.
The incident occurred at the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly stormed the premises mid-service, causing panic as worshippers fled for safety.
A resident said gunshots rang through the community, forcing people to scatter. The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was taken away along with his wife and other yet-to-be-identified members of the congregation.
Locals described the attack as frightening and unexpected, leaving the community tense and unsettled. The exact number of abducted persons has not been confirmed.
In response, the Kogi State Government said it has launched an intensified manhunt for the attackers. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies and the Yagba West Local Government authorities were working closely to ensure the safe rescue 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,” Fanwo said. “The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens.”
He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is coordinating security operations and assured that updates will be provided as efforts progress.
Fanwo urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies. He also advised worship centres located on the outskirts of communities to reconsider holding services in vulnerable locations until security improves.
