A quiet Sunday morning in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, turned chaotic when armed bandits stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim church mid-service, abducting several worshippers, including the resident pastor and his wife.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived without warning, forcing congregants to flee in all directions as gunshots shattered the worship atmosphere.
One worshipper, Adegboyega Oguns, described the terrifying moment: “We were in the middle of the service when they came. Everyone ran for their lives. The pastor—known as Orlando—and his wife were taken, along with others.”
The abduction has thrown the community into deep fear, especially as it comes barely 24 hours after another armed group ambushed travellers along the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin road in neighbouring Yagba East. That Saturday attack sent residents scrambling for safety and left motorists seeking alternative routes to avoid the troubled corridor.
As of now, the exact number of people taken from the Ejiba church remains unclear, with early reports still sketchy and security agents yet to provide an official update.
Local sources say tension has spread across villages in both Yagba East and West, leading many residents to stay indoors while movement on major roads has significantly reduced.
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The twin incidents have heightened concerns about the growing reach of armed bandit groups in Kogi State’s border communities, areas that have witnessed a steady rise in violent attacks in recent months.
