Gunmen have attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, identified as Orlando, alongside his wife and several members of the congregation.
The attack occurred during Sunday service, forcing worshippers to flee as the assailants fired shots into the air.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, saying the attackers arrived unexpectedly and disrupted the worship session. The exact number of kidnapped victims is yet to be confirmed.
The Kogi State Government said it has intensified surveillance in the area and launched a manhunt for the armed men.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that security agencies, in collaboration with Yagba West Local Government authorities, are working to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
Fanwo added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is personally overseeing the security response. He urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
He also advised worship centres located in isolated or vulnerable areas to reconsider holding services there until security conditions improve.
