Gunmen attacked a church in Kogi State on Sunday, abducting a pastor and his wife during a morning service.
The incident occurred at the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area. Worshippers reportedly fled in panic as the attackers stormed the premises and opened fire.
A resident said the gunshots sent the congregation running for safety, while the pastor known locally as Orlando was taken away alongside his wife and several others. The exact number of abducted worshippers has yet to be confirmed.
Residents described the attack as shocking and traumatizing, noting that the bandits struck without warning.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government on Sunday said it had intensified surveillance and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies were working closely with the Yagba West Local Government authorities to secure the victims’ release.
“The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens,” Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was directly coordinating response efforts and assured the public that updates would be provided as operations progress.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting: “When you see something, say something.”
Fanwo also advised worship centres located on the outskirts of communities to reconsider holding services in high-risk areas until security improves.
