By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
GUNMEN stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, in the early hours of Sunday, abducting the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a service.
The attack, which threw the quiet community into chaos, occurred shortly after the service began.
Witnesses said the armed men moved swiftly, seizing their victims and escaping into the surrounding bushes.
Panic spread throughout Ejiba as residents fled, fearing further assaults.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the incident, condemning the assault and assuring the public that security agencies were already on the trail of the attackers.
He hinted that the criminals may have been lurking in the area for days, urging residents never to ignore unfamiliar faces or suspicious activities.
“Some residents may have seen strange faces and kept quiet,” Fanwo said. “At a time like this, failing to raise an alarm can endanger everyone.”
He also criticised the continued hosting of worship services in remote and unsecured locations despite recurring warnings and recent attacks in neighbouring states.
Fanwo advised the public to heighten vigilance, avoid needless travel along risky routes, and ensure that gatherings are held only in secured places.
“It’s easy to blame the government, but those suffering in the hands of these irredentists are our people. Collective vigilance is crucial at this time,” he added.
In a swift response, the state government deployed a helicopter and a specialised anti-kidnapping unit to track the attackers and rescue the abducted worshippers.
Video footage circulating online shows security operatives mobilising rapidly as aerial surveillance sweeps the area.
The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was among those taken during the raid, which has heightened security concerns across the region.
Authorities described the situation as urgent, with coordinated efforts underway to locate the victims, apprehend the perpetrators, and prevent further attacks.
Governor Usman Ododo, praised for his decisive action, has directed all security agencies to work collaboratively and “leave no stone unturned” in the pursuit of the gunmen.
Local leaders and residents have commended the swift intervention, describing it as a bold demonstration of the government’s resolve to confront insecurity head-on.
Security analysts say the rapid mobilisation, including aerial support, sends a strong warning to criminal groups operating around border communities, while also reassuring residents that the government is taking concrete steps to protect lives and property.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have pledged to provide updates on rescue operations and any arrests connected to the attack.
