THIS DAWN — Fulani terrorists stormed the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba Community, Kogi State, in the early hours of Sunday, abducting the pastor identified as Orlando, his wife, and several worshippers.
The attack, which occurred during a church activity, sent congregants fleeing as gunmen fired sporadically into the air.
Eyewitness Adegboyega Oguns described the assault as swift and terrifying.
According to him, the attackers arrived unexpectedly, causing immediate panic.
“People scattered in every direction. It all happened in seconds,” he recounted.
Video clips circulating on social media show the church’s interior in disarray—scattered benches, torn materials, and visible signs of struggle.
Another clip captures smoke rising from nearby damage caused by the attackers.
The incident has deepened anxiety across Kogi communities already grappling with security concerns.
Although the number of abducted persons remains unconfirmed, local sources fear the figure may be higher than initially reported.
Kogi Governor reacts
Reacting to the incident, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo condemned the attack and directed a full-scale rescue mission.
Security agencies, including specialized anti-kidnapping teams, vigilante groups, and aerial support units, have been deployed.
A helicopter was dispatched to comb surrounding forests believed to be the kidnappers’ escape route.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, emphasized that the administration would not tolerate criminal activities within the state.
He cautioned residents to remain alert, warning that such attacks may be aided by local informants familiar with the terrain and movement patterns of worshippers.
Fanwo advised religious centres in vulnerable areas to temporarily suspend early-morning or late-night services until security improves.
Eruku erupts again
In an earlier publication, This Dawn reported that gunmen abducted a farmer on Sunday in Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident happened barely two weeks after dozens of worshippers kidnapped from a church in the area regained their freedom.
According to sources, the latest victim was seized while working on his farmland along the Eruku–Koro axis.
Locals say the route has become increasingly unsafe due to constant incursions by suspected bandits.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, November 30, has further inflamed security concerns, being the latest in a worrying pattern of assaults on churches in the region.
Residents fear further escalation as the community awaits updates on the rescue efforts.
Authorities have urged anyone with useful information to contact security operatives immediately.
As of press time, security forces continue to track the attackers, with the governor assuring citizens that the state is determined to secure the victims’ safe return and bring the perpetrators to justice.
