The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, alongside the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has ordered the suspension of all church activities in the area until further notice.
The decision followed rising security threats, including recent attacks on churches and the recovery of arms and ammunition by security agencies in parts of the state.
The directive was announced in a notice issued by the CAN Coordinator in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Rev. Kayode Osatuyi, after a meeting held at the monarch’s palace with traditional rulers and church leaders.
The notice stated, “Following the directive from the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Kabba/Bunu Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, at the meeting held with traditional rulers and church leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria Kabba/Bunu LGA at his palace, all church services are to be suspended till further notice upon credible security reports of attacks by bandits on our churches.”
Osatuyi said the decision was taken after consultation with the state leadership of CAN, adding that the safety of worshippers informed the move.
He urged all churches in the area to comply fully with the directive in the interest of public safety.
Osatuyi also called on Christians to continue praying for peace in Kabba/Bunu land, noting that churches would be officially informed when it was safe to resume activities.
The PUNCH reports that the Kogi State Government recently announced the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following joint security operations across parts of the state.
The government had also warned worship centres, particularly those located on the outskirts of towns, to reconsider holding services in areas prone to criminal attacks.
Last month, a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the area was attacked. Another incident was recorded on Sunday at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Kiri, where two worshippers were reportedly killed.
During the most recent attack, bandits were said to have invaded the church during a Sunday service and abducted about 20 worshippers, further heightening fears among residents.
