Church Abduction in Kogi Linked to Backlash Following Major Security Crackdown on Bandits
The Sunday morning abduction of a pastor and several worshippers from a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State has been linked to desperate retaliatory actions by fleeing criminal groups following massive security operations that recently eliminated scores of bandits in the region, PRNigeria reports.
The attackers stormed the church mid-service, causing panic among congregants before whisking away the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, alongside an unconfirmed number of worshippers. They were said to have escaped into the surrounding bushes.
A senior security officer involved in the renewed onslaught on criminal enclaves told PRNigeria that within just one week, more than 200 bandits and kidnappers operating around border communities linking Kogi, Enugu, and Kwara States were neutralised through coordinated aerial bombardments and ground offensives.
According to the source, the intensified raids—targeting major hideouts—have severely disrupted criminal networks, forcing surviving bandits to embark on opportunistic revenge missions while attempting to flee ongoing clearance operations.
“The last one week has not been easy for these undesirable elements,” the officer said. “With sustained aerial and ground attacks, scores of them have been killed. Those on the run now resort to random attacks and abductions of innocent citizens in retaliation.”
The large-scale joint operation—supported by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo—includes the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local vigilante groups. Security helicopters have been providing real-time aerial surveillance and precision support to ground units.
Read Also:
PRNigeria gathered that current clearance operations are focused on the Ejiba, Eruku, Idofin corridors and other areas identified as long-standing transit and hideout routes for criminal gangs. The deployment of specialised anti-kidnapping squads and continuous aerial patrols is part of the state government’s stated commitment to stamping out banditry.
Governor Ododo’s swift response and backing of the operation have drawn commendations from local leaders, who described the effort as a firm demonstration of political will to confront insecurity head-on.
As of press time, authorities have not disclosed the exact number of abducted victims or details of the ongoing rescue efforts. The attack highlights the growing fragility of rural communities in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where places of worship have increasingly come under assault from armed groups.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” assuring that the kidnapped victims would be rescued.
Fanwo noted that both the state government and Yagba West LGA authorities have been working tirelessly to combat criminal activities in the border area, which has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months.
According to him, poor security awareness in some communities has contributed to avoidable risks.
“Ejiba has had its fair share of these criminal activities, yet some pastors still encourage their members to worship in isolated churches in the bush at a time like this,” he said. “It’s easy to blame the government, but those suffering in the hands of these incurable irredentists are our own people. Why won’t we subscribe to wisdom?”
He urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unprotected worship centres and high-risk routes, and refrain from disclosing travel plans.
“When you see something, say something. Avoid unnecessary journeys. Any movement along danger zones should be avoided for now,” he advised.
Fanwo added that security agencies have already taken “drastic and coordinated measures” to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.
By PRNigeria
