Armed assailants have unleashed another wave of terror in Kogi State, violently disrupting a Sunday worship service to abduct the pastor of a Cherubim and Seraphim church along with his wife and several congregation members.
Chaotic Sunday Service Attack
The terrifying incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when gunmen stormed the Cherubim and Seraphim church located in Ejiba community within Yagba West Local Government Area. Worshippers were actively engaged in their Sunday service when the armed invaders launched their attack, creating immediate panic and chaos throughout the locality.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the church pastor, identified as Orlando, was forcibly taken alongside his wife and multiple church members. The gunmen whisked the victims away to an unknown destination, leaving the entire community in a state of shock and fear. Residents described the attack as sudden and terrifying, with people scrambling for safety as the bandits descended upon their peaceful community.
Security Response Intensifies
In response to the escalating security crisis, security agencies have deployed significant resources including a helicopter for aerial surveillance to track the kidnappers' movements. The exact number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed as authorities continue their investigations.
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Williams Aya provided initial confirmation of the attack, noting that Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi has deployed specialized tactical teams to the area. The response units include the Quick Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and PMF personnel with clear instructions to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.
Pattern of Violence Continues
This latest kidnapping represents part of a disturbing pattern of criminal activities plaguing Kogi communities. Just one day earlier on Saturday, November 29, 2025, suspected bandits went on a rampage in Isanlu village within Yagba East Local Government Area, abducting five residents.
Fortunately, troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army conducted two swift and coordinated operations around the Isanlu-Egbe general area, successfully rescuing all five kidnapping victims. A military source confirmed that their aggressive response forced the bandits to flee in disarray, abandoning their captives unharmed.
The security challenges have prompted decisive action from state authorities. Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has implemented a ban on all social, community, religious, and political activities from 4 pm daily until further notice as part of comprehensive security measures.
Despite the almost daily incidents of banditry and kidnapping over the past week, security agencies maintain they are fully equipped and determined to restore order and safety across Kogi State.
