Kogi: Pastor, Wife, and Several Worshippers Kidnapped as Bandits Raid Church in Yagba West

A disturbing incident unfolded in Kogi State on Sunday when armed bandits invaded a worship gathering in Ejiba, a community within the Yagba West Local Government Area. The attackers stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church during a service, causing widespread panic among the congregation.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the worship session was abruptly interrupted as the armed men advanced toward the church premises. Terrified church members fled in different directions to escape the violent intrusion. Despite the chaos, the pastor, widely known in the community as Orlando, along with his wife and several other worshippers, could not escape and were forcefully taken by the attackers.

Local residents described the incident as deeply traumatic, emphasizing that the community has long appealed for improved security measures as kidnapping activities continue to rise within the region. The abduction has left families distressed, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention from security agencies.

Security analysts link the growing rate of such attacks to broader insecurity challenges affecting rural communities across Nigeria. Many locals now fear attending gatherings or engaging in everyday activities without apprehension.

As the community awaits updates, efforts by law enforcement agencies to rescue the victims and restore normalcy are ongoing. The Ejiba incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need for stronger community protection and sustained nationwide security reforms.