Bandits Abduct Pastor, Wife, Others During Church Service In Kogi
Bandits strike during church service, leaving community members in shock
Bandits Abduct Pastor, Wife, Others During Church Service In Kogi
Suspected bandits have abducted a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a church service in Kogi State, sparking fear and outrage among residents.
The incident occurred on Sunday at a local church in Ajaokuta Local Government Area when armed men stormed the building mid-service. Witnesses said the assailants fired sporadically to scare the congregation before whisking away the pastor, his wife, and an unspecified number of members into the nearby bush.
Community members described the attack as “terrifying,” noting that the kidnappers operated for several minutes without resistance. Security operatives were later alerted, but the attackers had already escaped with their victims.
Local vigilante groups have reportedly begun combing surrounding forests in collaboration with security agencies to rescue the abducted worshippers. Authorities in the state have also confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators.
The development adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kogi State, where cases of kidnapping and banditry have continued to unsettle communities.
Residents and religious leaders are calling on both state and federal governments to strengthen security measures around worship centres and rural communities to prevent future incidents.
