Residents of Kogi State have been thrown into deep fear and anxiety following a fresh attack by armed bandits who stormed a church in the Ejiba community of Yagba West Local Government Area and abducted the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers. The disturbing incident, which occurred during a Sunday service, has further heightened concerns over the rising wave of insecurity spreading across parts of the state.
The attackers reportedly invaded the Cherubim and Seraphim Church while the congregation was observing their worship session. Witnesses described the assault as sudden and chaotic, with gunshots sending worshippers into panic as the attackers overpowered the congregation and whisked away a yet-to-be-confirmed number of victims.
This latest attack comes at a time when Kogi residents are already grappling with multiple kidnapping incidents reported in the past week. The abduction of a pastor and his church members has, however, intensified the outcry for stronger security intervention.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to community sources, the bandits arrived at the church on motorcycles and surrounded the worship centre before launching the assault. The pastor and his wife were reportedly singled out and abducted alongside several parishioners.
The attackers forced their victims into the surrounding forest, using the thick vegetation around the community as an escape route. Many residents who attempted to alert local security personnel said the attack was swift, taking only minutes before the bandits disappeared with their captives.
Previous Attacks Heighten Fear in Kogi Axis
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church abduction did not occur in isolation. Just hours before the incident, another kidnapping was reported along the Isanlu–Makutu–Idofin road in Yagba East Local Government Area. In that attack, travellers were ambushed and abducted by gunmen, further showing a worrying trend of coordinated criminal activities in the region.
Security analysts and community leaders are now warning that the continuity of these attacks signals an escalation that requires urgent and sustained government intervention.
Government and Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
In response to the church abduction, Kogi State authorities have announced the launch of a manhunt involving a combined team of security agencies. The police, military personnel, and local vigilante groups have reportedly begun combing the surrounding forests in search of the victims.
The state government condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and pledging to ensure the safe return of those abducted. Officials also reassured the public that the security architecture in the state is being reinforced to prevent further incidents.
Security experts, however, argue that the current situation calls for more than reactive measures. They urge the state to strengthen intelligence gathering, increase community policing efforts, and deploy more sophisticated surveillance to vulnerable areas.
Growing Concerns Among Religious Communities
Religious communities in Kogi State are particularly shaken by this development. Churches, mosques, and other worship centres in rural and semi-urban areas are now reviewing their activities to ensure the safety of worshippers.
Pastors and church leaders have expressed fear over the increasing targeting of worship centres by armed criminals. Many are calling on the government to enhance protection around places of worship, especially during major gatherings.
Some churches are also considering adjusting their service hours or providing local security escorts as an interim measure.
Residents Live in Fear as Insecurity Worsens
Residents of Ejiba and neighbouring communities say they have never been this fearful. The constant movement of unknown persons through forest routes, the rise in motorcycle-borne attacks, and the frequency of kidnappings have all contributed to heightened tension.
Parents are increasingly afraid to let their children move freely, traders close earlier than usual, and travellers now avoid certain roads considered unsafe.
Community leaders are appealing to both state and federal authorities to prioritize the security of rural communities, which have become soft targets for kidnappers and bandits.
Calls for Stronger National Security Attention
The frequency of attacks in Kogi and other parts of Nigeria has once again revived the national conversation about insecurity. Analysts believe that while the state government is doing its best with limited resources, stronger federal collaboration is necessary to dismantle the criminal networks operating across state borders.
Security experts are urging the deployment of special forces, improved aerial surveillance, and modern tracking technologies to help locate abductors and rescue victims.
There is also growing public demand for long-term solutions, including job creation for youths, strengthening border patrols, and clearing forest hideouts used by criminal groups.
Hope for Swift Rescue Efforts
As the search operation intensifies, families of the abducted pastor, his wife, and the parishioners remain hopeful. The community continues to gather in prayer meetings, appealing for divine intervention and quick rescue.
While the full number of victims has not yet been officially confirmed, authorities say their priority is ensuring the safe recovery of everyone taken during the attack.
Kogi residents, meanwhile, await further official updates as the security situation continues to unfold.
