BREAKING:  Bandits attack Kogi church, abduct pastor, wife, others during service

Ejiba, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, was thrown into panic on Sunday morning after armed bandits stormed a church service and abducted several worshippers, according to local accounts.

The attack took place at a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church, eyewitnesses told Egbe Mekun Platform, a community-based news outlet.

Adegboyega Oguns, who was inside the church when the gunmen arrived, said the congregation scattered in fear as the assailants advanced.

Oguns reported that the church leader, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several others were taken away during the assault.

“It’s a new Cherubim and Seraphim church. The pastor popularly called Orlando and wife with some others have been kidnapped,” he wrote on Egbe Mekun Parrot platform on Facebook.

“It is serious, we all ran out of church.”

The incident adds to the rising security concerns across parts of Kogi State.

Only a day earlier, another group of armed men attacked the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin route in Yagba East Local Government Area, forcing residents and travellers to flee for safety. Witnesses said the Saturday afternoon attack created panic throughout the area.

Authorities and community members say the exact number of people kidnapped on Sunday remains unclear, as updates are still emerging.
The wave of attacks has heightened fear in neighbouring towns, prompting many residents to remain indoors while commuters are diverting to avoid the troubled route.

(Sahara Reporters)