The Kogi State Government has issued a crucial security advisory to religious organizations following a violent attack on a church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area. Authorities are urging worship centers located in remote or crime-prone areas to temporarily reconsider holding services until security conditions improve.
Armed Assault on Morning Worship
In a disturbing incident that occurred on Sunday, armed men stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church during early morning worship services. The attackers abducted the church pastor, his wife, and several congregants in what represents the latest in a series of attacks targeting worship centers in the state.
Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information, confirmed the attack and emphasized that security networks comprising conventional security agencies and local security architecture are actively responding to the situation. "We have no figures yet as we await security agencies to carry out their findings and report back to the public," Fanwo stated while addressing the media.
Government Issues Security Alert
The state government has called for heightened community alertness and increased security consciousness among residents. Commissioner Fanwo specifically addressed religious organizations operating in isolated locations, stating: "Worship Centres in the outskirts should also reconsider worshipping in crime-prone areas for now until the situation gets better."
Security operatives in Kogi State confirm that efforts are ongoing to track the perpetrators of this latest abduction and secure the safe release of all victims. The government has reinforced its commitment to protecting citizens while urging communities to remain vigilant.
Pattern of Attacks on Worship Centers
This incident marks the second major attack on worship centers in Kogi State in recent weeks. On November 18, armed bandits raided a Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Isegun, Eruku community, a boundary area between Kogi and Kwara States, where they abducted several worshippers.
President Bola Tinubu later announced that all victims from the November incident had been successfully rescued. However, the recurring nature of these attacks has raised serious concerns about the security of religious institutions, particularly those in remote or border communities.
The Kogi State Government continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation with security agencies. "When you see something, say something," Commissioner Fanwo urged residents, reinforcing the need for prompt reporting of suspicious movements and unfamiliar faces to security authorities.
