Armed bandits attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba Community, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday, abducting the pastor, his wife, and multiple worshippers during the service.
The pastor, known locally as Baba Orlando or simply Orlando, was taken along with his wife and several other church members. Eyewitnesses described how gunshots echoed through the area, forcing worshippers to flee in panic as the assailants stormed the church unexpectedly. The exact number of abducted victims remains unconfirmed.
This attack occurred shortly after another kidnapping incident in the same region. On Saturday, bandits ambushed travelers on the Isanlu-Makutu-Idofin road in neighboring Yagba East Local Government Area, intercepting vehicles for hours and abducting occupants from about three cars.
However, there was some positive news from the Saturday incident. Nigerian Army troops from 12 Brigade rescued five abducted victims on November 29, 2025, after engaging the kidnappers with superior firepower in a coordinated operation around the Isanlu-Egbe area.
The Kogi State government has responded to the church attack. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo stated that security forces have intensified surveillance and patrols, with authorities committed to tracking the bandits to their hideouts and rescuing all abducted citizens.
The attacks have sparked criticism about Nigeria’s security situation, with religious leaders expressing concern about the escalating violence against places of worship across the country.
