- Gunmen attack ECWA church in Kabba/Bunu, kill one worshipper
- 20 worshippers abducted during Sunday church service
- Separate dawn attacks kill three in Mopamuro communities
- Residents blame delayed security response
At least four people have been killed and over 20 worshippers kidnapped following coordinated gunmen attacks on Kogi communities, including a violent raid on a church during Sunday service in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
Armed gunmen on Sunday stormed the First ECWA Church in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one worshipper and abducting about 20 people during a church service.
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The victim, identified simply as Jayjay, was reportedly shot during the attack, while several worshippers were forced into the bush by the assailants.
Security sources and local officials said the number of abducted persons may be higher, as assessments are still ongoing.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA, Zaccheus Dare Micheal, criticised the church for holding services despite rising tension in the area and ordered the closure of all markets to prevent further attacks.
On the same day, gunmen carried out simultaneous dawn attacks on Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area, killing three residents and kidnapping several others.
The attackers reportedly operated for hours before distress calls reached security agencies, raising concerns over delayed response.
In Jamroro settlement, located between Oke-Agi and Takete Isao and largely populated by Tiv residents, two people were killed, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
In Ilai community, close to a grammar school, one person was killed and three residents kidnapped, according to community sources.
Confirming the attacks, Mopamuro LGA Chairman, Hon. Ademola Bello, alongside traditional rulers, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent security intervention.
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Residents expressed growing fear, noting that bandits now move freely across Yagba Federal Constituency.
“No local government area in Yagbaland is safe anymore. The attacks started near Kwara border and have spread rapidly,” said community leader Ope Owoyemi.
The latest violence comes weeks after gunmen attacked a church in Ejiba, abducting scores of worshippers, further deepening security concerns in the region.
