The government of Kogi State has strongly criticized some church leaders for holding services in insecure, isolated areas after gunmen stormed a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA on Sunday, abducting the pastor, his wife and several worshippers.
The attack threw the community into chaos — congregants fled in panic as gunshots rang out and the assailants whisked away victims. The state’s Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” while pledging that security agencies are on the trail of the kidnappers and efforts are underway to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Fanwo took aim at pastors who continue to invite members to worship in bush-side or crime-prone zones, calling such decisions irresponsible at a time when insecurity is mounting. He urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements, and reconsider attending services in isolated locations until safety improves.
The episode adds to a growing number of violent attacks targeting religious centres in the region — an alarming trend prompting calls for heightened security intelligence and community cooperation.
