Gunmen Attack Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kogi

Gunmen launched a devastating attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State early Sunday morning, shattering the calm of the community and plunging residents into fear and confusion. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men stormed the church during a worship session, seizing the pastor, his wife, and several congregants before escaping into the surrounding area. The sudden assault triggered panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety as rumours spread rapidly about the number of victims and the direction the attackers had taken.

The Kogi State Government has since confirmed the incident, expressing deep concern over the brazen nature of the crime. In a statement released in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as both shocking and unacceptable. He assured the public that the government is treating the matter with utmost urgency and has already mobilized security agencies to track down the abductors and rescue the victims unharmed.

Fanwo suggested that preliminary intelligence indicates the gunmen may have been hiding within the community or lurking in nearby bushes for days before carrying out the attack. He noted that suspicious movements often go unnoticed or unreported because some residents choose to remain silent when they observe unfamiliar individuals loitering around. This reluctance to speak up, he warned, creates an enabling environment for criminals to infiltrate communities and plan their operations without resistance.

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He emphasized that silence and complacency are dangerous, especially in a period marked by rising insecurity across parts of the country. According to him, communities must remain vigilant, proactive, and cooperative with security agencies. He urged residents to immediately report any unusual activity, strange faces, or suspicious behaviour rather than assuming it poses no threat. Fanwo added that timely information can help authorities prevent attacks before they occur.

The Commissioner also issued a caution to religious groups, advising them to avoid holding services in isolated or poorly secured locations. He stressed that worship gatherings, especially those held early in the morning or late at night, should prioritize security arrangements. Fanwo referenced a similar attack that occurred recently in neighbouring Kwara State, noting that these incidents highlight a troubling trend and the urgent need for improved safety measures in places of worship.

Furthermore, he acknowledged that Ejiba and surrounding communities in Yagba West have faced recurring security challenges over the years, partly due to their location along border routes. Criminal elements, he explained, sometimes exploit these boundaries to move between states, making it difficult for local security outfits to track and apprehend them. Despite these challenges, the state government, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders have been making concerted efforts to improve safety and counter criminal activity in the region.

Fanwo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. He encouraged residents not to lose hope, assuring them that security agencies are intensifying efforts and that the government remains fully engaged in safeguarding lives and property. As the search for the kidnapped victims continues, the community of Ejiba remains tense but hopeful that the captives will be rescued soon and that normalcy will return to the troubled area.