Gunmen have attacked a church in Kogi State, abducting a pastor and his wife.
The assault took place at the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, during Sunday service.
The community reportedly descended into chaos as armed bandits stormed the church, forcing worshippers to flee while gunshots rang out.
Local sources confirmed that the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was kidnapped along with his wife and several other church members.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, saying the bandits struck unexpectedly and left many in shock.
The exact number of those abducted has not yet been confirmed.
The Kogi State Government announced on Sunday that it has intensified surveillance and launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the state said security agencies are working to secure the release of the abducted victims.
“The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators, too, already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted,” Fanwo stated.
He added, “The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating activities, and we will keep the press updated on the operations. We urge citizens to be security-conscious and also report suspicious movements and faces to security agencies. When you see something, say something.”
Fanwo further advised that worship centres located in crime-prone areas should temporarily reconsider holding services until the security situation improves.
