Gunmen on Sunday stormed a church service in Kogi State, abducting a pastor, his wife and several worshippers in an operation that threw the Ejiba community of Yagba West Local Government Area into panic.
The attackers, described by residents as armed bandits, invaded the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church during worship, sending congregants fleeing as gunshots rang out.
The pastor, known in the community as Orlando, was seized alongside his wife and an unspecified number of members.
Local sources said the assault lasted several minutes before the gunmen escaped with their captives. Confusion persisted into the evening as families struggled to determine how many persons were missing.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security agencies had launched a full-scale search for the abductors.
“The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators, too, already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted,” he said.
Fanwo added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was “coordinating activities” and monitoring the operation. He urged communities to heighten vigilance and avoid worship in isolated locations until security improves.
*Seven rescued in Kano night raid
In a separate security incident, troops of Operation MESA under the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued seven kidnapped victims following a late-night operation in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The soldiers responded to a distress call at about 11 pm on Saturday from residents of Yankamaye Cikin Gari, who reported an ongoing attack by armed bandits. By the time security forces arrived, a 60-year-old woman had been killed.
Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, said troops pursued the attackers toward Rimaye and engaged them with “a high volume of fire,” leading to the rescue of seven abductees. Four others, however, remain unaccounted for.
The bandits reportedly fled toward the Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, and tracking operations have been intensified.
The Commander of the 3 Brigade commended troops for their “bravery and prompt response” while appealing for continued public cooperation through credible intelligence.
*Soldiers kill four militia in Taraba clash
Also on Sunday, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, neutralised four armed militia members and recovered weapons during a rapid deployment to quell renewed communal fighting between the Shomo and Wurkun communities in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The clashes, driven by long-standing land disputes, had escalated into arson and armed hostilities. Troops came under fire from assailants emerging from the Fadama axis shortly after arriving at the scene. A fierce exchange ensued, leading to the death of four militia members.
A sweep of the area yielded three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles.
In a twist, one police officer found operating alongside the militia was arrested and is currently undergoing investigation and profiling.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, praised the personnel for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to restoring peace.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities as operations continue under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa and Operation Zafin Wuta.
