LOKOJA — The government of Kogi State Government has formally confirmed the dawn raid on a church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA, where armed bandits abducted a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during Sunday service.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “very sad and unfortunate,” and pledged that security agencies are on a full rescue mission, including deployment of an anti-kidnapping squad and aerial surveillance.
Fanwo also urged citizens to be security-conscious and to report any suspicious movements or unfamiliar faces, warning that “worship centres in crime-prone or isolated areas should reconsider opening until security improves.
According to the government, the attack occurred amid intelligence that some criminals had been hiding in bushes around the community — a situation that underscores growing concern over the vulnerability of rural worship centres and remote villages to bandit raids.
Meanwhile, patrols have been intensified and security agencies, in cooperation with local authorities, are conducting a manhunt for the perpetrators to secure the safe release of the abductees.
Dalena Reporters will continue to follow developments, especially rescue efforts and official security updates, as citizens await news of the abducted pastor, his wife, and other worshippers.