How Gunmen Abducted Pastor, Wife, and Worshippers from Kogi Church

Armed men stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several worshippers during a Sunday service.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, sent congregants fleeing in panic. Eyewitness Adegboyega Oguns, who was present during the incident, described the moment the gunmen burst into the church, forcing members to scamper for safety as chaos erupted inside the building. Videos shared on social media captured the scattered seats, damaged property, and smoke rising from the surrounding area.

“It’s a new Cherubim and Seraphim Church. The pastor popularly called Orlando and his wife, with some others, have been kidnapped,” Oguns wrote on the Egbe Mekun Parrot platform on Facebook. “It is serious, we all ran out of church.”

Local officials confirmed the attack, which has further heightened concerns about escalating insecurity in parts of Kogi State. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo condemned the incident, deploying helicopters, anti-kidnapping operatives, security agents, and local vigilantes to begin an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, warned residents to remain vigilant amid fears that local informants may be aiding criminal groups. He advised churches and communities in vulnerable areas to temporarily suspend large gatherings until the security situation improves.

The attack in Ejiba comes barely 24 hours after terrorists struck along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin corridor in Yagba East Local Government Area, leaving residents and travelers terrified. Eyewitnesses from Saturday’s incident said the attackers arrived without warning, forcing people to flee into the surrounding bushes.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted victims from the church attack remains unconfirmed, with details still emerging. The incident has created palpable tension across nearby communities, with many residents remaining indoors and travelers diverting routes to avoid troubled areas.

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