Panic in Kogi as Gunmen Storm Church in Ejiba, Abduct Pastor, Wife and Worshippers

Fear and confusion swept through Ejiba community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday morning after armed gunmen reportedly invaded a church service and abducted the pastor, his wife and several worshippers.

Akahi News gathered that the attack occurred at a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church, where members of the congregation had assembled for an early morning worship session. According to reports reaching Akahi News, the assailants stormed the church premises, firing sporadic shots into the air to create panic before forcing some of the worshippers, including the pastor and his wife, to follow them into a nearby bush.

Residents, caught off guard by the sudden violence, immediately fled the area in fear for their lives. Many reportedly abandoned their homes momentarily as the sound of gunshots echoed through the quiet community.

Kogi Government Confirms Incident

The Kogi State Government has officially confirmed the incident. In a statement issued in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “very sad and unfortunate.”

Akahi News learnt that Fanwo suggested the attackers may have been hiding within the community or in nearby bushes for days before carrying out the operation. He also expressed concern that some residents might have seen suspicious movements but failed to raise the alarm.

“When you see something, say something,” Fanwo reportedly cautioned, urging residents to be more vigilant and proactive in reporting unfamiliar faces or movements around their neighbourhoods.

Growing Concerns Over Worship Centre Safety

The latest abduction has further intensified concerns about the safety of worship centres, especially in rural and semi-urban communities across North-Central Nigeria. Just weeks ago, worshippers were reportedly abducted from a church in neighbouring Kwara State, heightening fears over the vulnerability of religious gatherings.

Akahi News gathered that Fanwo advised religious leaders to avoid holding services in isolated or unsecured locations, warning that gatherings in such areas could expose worshippers to severe danger.

“It is not ideal to continue worshipping in the bush or isolated places without security in this era,” he reportedly stated, urging both churches and mosques to prioritise the safety of their members at all times.

Security Agencies Take “Drastic Measures”

According to information available to Akahi News, security agencies, in collaboration with the state government and the Yagba West Local Government authorities, have begun coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

Fanwo revealed that “drastic measures” had already been put in place to ensure the safe return of those abducted and to prevent a recurrence of similar attacks in the area.

He further advised residents to avoid unnecessary journeys, especially through known danger zones, and to be extremely careful about disclosing their movements to others.

A Community on Edge

As news of the abduction continues to spread, tension remains high in Ejiba and surrounding villages. Many families are reportedly keeping their doors shut, while community leaders are appealing for calm and increased cooperation with security operatives.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge regarding the rescue operations and the condition of the abducted worshippers.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org