- Living Faith Church pastor abducted in Kogi.
- Kidnapping happened along Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde road.
- Commercial motorcyclist escaped unharmed.
- No ransom demand yet from abductors.
A Living Faith Church pastor has been kidnapped by suspected bandits while heading to his farm in Okoro Gbedde, Kogi State, deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the area.
The incident occurred on Saturday along the Okeoffin–Okoro Gbedde axis in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
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Eyewitnesses said the pastor, who serves at the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, was travelling on a commercial motorcycle to his farm when armed men suddenly emerged and blocked the road.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the pastor attempted to escape when he sighted the attackers.
“When he saw the bandits, the pastor jumped down from the motorcycle,” a source told reporters.
The commercial motorcyclist reportedly managed to flee the scene, but the pastor was seized and taken away by the assailants to an unknown location.
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As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers had not contacted the family or the church, and no ransom demand had been made.
The abduction has triggered panic among residents of Okoro Gbedde and nearby communities, with locals expressing concern over repeated attacks along rural roads in the area.
The incident follows a similar attack earlier this month in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed First ECWA Church and Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, abducting dozens of worshippers.
Community sources said the attackers later demanded a ₦600 million ransom, warning of dire consequences if their demands were not met.
At least 37 worshippers, including children and elderly persons, were reportedly abducted during the church attack. The assault later claimed the life of a seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, while two others sustained injuries.
“The bandits operated freely for hours, even forcing some captives to return home to collect ransom money before taking them away,” a community source said.
Residents have continued to call on security agencies to strengthen patrols and protect vulnerable communities across the state.
