Bandits on Sunday morning attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, his wife and several worshippers during a service.
Local sources said the attackers struck while the congregation was worshipping, forcing people to flee in panic. Adegboyega Oguns, who was present at the church, confirmed that members scampered to safety as the gunmen invaded.
The exact number of abducted persons has yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government says it has intensified surveillance and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said both conventional security agencies and the state’s local security network are already on the trail of the attackers.
Fanwo said the authorities in Yagba West are working closely with security operatives to ensure that all abducted persons are rescued alive, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is coordinating the response.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies, advising worship centres located in isolated areas to review their safety measures until the security situation improves.