Suspected bandits on Sunday attacked the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one worshipper and abducting several others in a renewed wave of violence across the state.
The victim, identified simply as Jayjay, was reportedly shot dead during the attack, which occurred while a church service was ongoing.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zacchaeus Micheal, said security operatives had been deployed to the area, though the exact number of worshippers abducted was still being verified as efforts to track the attackers continued.
Michael disclosed that security forces engaged the assailants and neutralised about five bandits, but expressed concern over what he described as the disregard of government security advisories by some religious leaders in high-risk areas.
He blamed the church leadership for holding services despite security warnings, based on what he said was credible intelligence, and ordered the immediate closure of all markets in the affected community to forestall further attacks.
Meanwhile, simultaneous attacks were also reported in Mopamuro Local Government Area, where bandits raided Oke-Agi and Ilai communities at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Read Also:
- How underage trafficked kids were intercepted in Kogi
- Omala LGA Kogi imposes curfew, bans vigils amid rising insecurity
- INEC disowns new ADC Executive in Kogi, says Abejide faction lacked due process
In the Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and predominantly inhabited by Tiv residents, two people were confirmed killed, while three others sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
In Ilai, a Bassa community near the Community Grammar School, one person was reportedly killed, while three residents were abducted during the raid.
The attacks were confirmed by the Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Ademola Bello, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders.
Residents expressed outrage over what they described as a delayed security response, alleging that the attackers operated unhindered for more than an hour before distress alerts were effectively responded to.
Sunday’s church attack marks the second assault on a place of worship in Okun land within weeks, deepening fear among residents and worshippers.
On November 30, 2025, armed men had stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting a cleric identified as Orlando and several worshippers during a church service.
The attackers were said to have initially demanded ₦500 million in ransom, later reducing the figure to ₦200 million, and issuing a two-day ultimatum to the victims’ families.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for urgent security intervention in Okun land, with residents urging the Kogi State government and security agencies to intensify patrols, dismantle bandit camps, and protect vulnerable communities and places of worship.
