December 01, (THEWILL) — A routine Sunday worship service at a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, turned tragic after suspected bandits invaded the premises and abducted the pastor, his wife, and several congregants.
According to community sources, the assailants stormed the church unexpectedly, firing gunshots that sent worshippers fleeing in panic.
The pastor, popularly known as Orlando, was seized alongside his wife and other members, leaving the entire Ejiba community in shock and distress.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as terrifying, recounting how gunshots echoed through the area and forced residents to scamper for safety. The attack, which occurred during the church service, plunged the town into chaos as families searched for missing loved ones.
Confirming the incident, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state government had immediately intensified surveillance, patrols, and a full-scale manhunt to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted victims.
“Yes, I have information to that effect, and I am also aware that the security network, comprising the conventional security agencies and the local security architecture, is currently doing what they should do”, Fanwo said, adding that authorities in Yagba West Local Government Area were working closely with security operatives to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
“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”, he stated.
Fanwo assured that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is directly coordinating security operations and monitoring developments as efforts intensify to track down the attackers.
“The governor of the state, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating activities, and we will keep the press updated on the operations”, he added.
Residents of Ejiba have called for stronger security reinforcement as the community awaits positive news from the ongoing rescue efforts.
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